Is your happiness genetic?

We all strive for happiness. It is the one thing we all have in common. We all want to be happy. Happiness is more than just a good, positive mood, it is a state of well being and a feeling that you are living your life with great meaning and deep satisfaction.

You know that one person that is always happy and just seems like they are on a different wavelength than you, you know that one person that is not always happy. Well we are all different and SOME of our happiness does not depend on our surroundings. I have ALWAYS been a happy person. Even when I was a baby. My daughter is the exact same way. She was born smiling. This interested me when I started doing research on "happiness" because I know some people are not like me and I know a few people who are like me. I think I am a lot like my dad. What I learned is that happiness is actually linked to a gene. A gene that is responsible for 50% of your happiness.

Brain structure also plays a role in the happiness equation. The brain has billions of neurons, or brain cells, and neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers that communicate between brain cells. Certain neurotransmitters regulate emotions, and deficiencies in neurotransmitter levels can bring on the blues.

There is a gene, known as 5-HTT, which is involved with the transport of serotonin, a feel good chemical, in the brain. The longer variant leads to a more efficient release and recycling of the neurotransmitter. There was a study conducted by Dr. Neve. He looked at the genetic makeup of 2,574 people who were selected for a study to discuss life satisfaction. Out of the 40% who said they were "very satisfied" with life , 36% had the two long variants of the gene. Of those were were "dissatisfied" with life, 20% had two long variants while 26% had two short versions. This indicates a slight over-representation of the long variants with happier people.

Happiness is hugely complex and will remain the center of your well being your entire life. We can control it and everyday strive to be the best we can be. Here are some tips.

1. You all know I am going to say this. WORKOUT. GET MOVING. Literally it can be a 3 mile walk everyday, you just need to move your body and do something that releases endorphins.

2. Another thing you know I am going to say is eat healthy. You are what you eat so you need to choose wise food choices to feel your best.

3. Hang out with other positive people. Negative energy is contagious so we need to constantly be around people who are positive and go getters. Your parents were right. You are who you hang out with.

4. Be thankful. Remind yourself how amazing it is that you are alive and healthy and how beautiful life is. Practice seeing the good in everything.

5. Find something you love and do it everyday. This could be your job. Love what you do or try to find something that you love. Do not go to work miserable everyday. Try to strive for change where you want it.

You have a choice. Be Kind. Be passionate. Love ALL.

Choose Happy.