What makes you happy? When do you feel happiest? I learned a lot after interviewing 18 people about when they felt the happiest. When they asked more questions, I told them to just write from their heart. I received many different replies.

Hearing their responses made my heart swell and put a smile on my face. I want to share these responses with you, hoping they will do the same.

1. Tummy tickles

“To me, happiness is when my tummy tickles and I subconsciously smile without even realizing it. It’s those moments when you look around and realize just how lucky you are to be the person you have become and how lucky you are to have created the life you built. Life can be messy sometimes, but when you are still able to be content in those stressful experiences, you know you have found complete happiness.“ (Bayley C.)

2. Investing time

“I’m happiest when I am investing time in things that mean the most to me like spending time with friends and family, taking part in engaging conversations, exploring new places, going to church, and taking part in making those around me happy.” (Lauren G.)

3. All of the above

“I am happiest when I am in warm weather, laughing with family/friends, doing interesting things or eating a good meal. Or all of those at once.” (Morgan I.)

4. When I make people laugh

“I feel the happiest when I make people laugh. I think that laughter is the best medicine and it can easily turn someone's day around. No matter what the joke or sarcastic remark is, I am able to make just about anybody laugh. When I do this I make myself happier in turn.” (Kwin R.)

5. When I met my best friend

“The happiest I have ever been was when I met my best friend. At the time I didn't know how many memories I would create with him and how much of impact he would have on my life.” (Charlie N.)

6. Surrounded by family and friends

“I am happiest when I am surrounded by my family and friends. They make me feel important and always boost my confidence. They are the people who keep me going.” (Olivia S.)

7. Family, friends, being alone

“I am happiest when I'm spending time surrounded by my family and friends, but also when I am alone doing things like journaling, yoga, or baking cookies.” (Nikki W.)

8. It's a choice

“I have realized that my happiness is not dependent on external things, but a choice I consciously make in every moment. Even when things are not going my way, there’s always some good to find." (Natalie S.)

9. There are different types of happy

“There's a kind of happy, an exhilaration, I get when I discover new things, a new city, a new book, new music, something about a person I didn't know before. There's also a kind of happy that's low intensity but still profound. There's also the kind of happy I get just from seeing other happy people. That's an infectious (but in a good way) kind of happy.” (Pat Y.)

10. Lifting others up

“I feel the happiest when people care for others. I feel the happiest when people are lifting others up.” (Megan M.)

11. Fellowship and friendship

“The happiest time in my life came on the heels of the saddest. Shortly after losing my biological mother to a sudden unexpected death, I found God. I was 12 years old when my mother passed and I blamed God for my sadness and pain. Shortly after her passing, I was uprooted from my home to be raised by my great aunt and uncle. They got me involved in youth group at our church. The fellowship and friendships I developed over the years stand strong even today.” (Mike N.)

12. Greatest memories

“I feel the happiest when I am with friends and family because they are the people you make your greatest memories with. I find joy in the little things like grabbing dinner with a girlfriend or watching movies with my brothers. I think it's important to soak in the experiences now because one day they will all just be memories!” (Erin F.)

13. Friends anywhere, anytime

“I think I feel the happiest when I’m surrounded by my friends. It doesn’t really matter what we’re doing, just having everyone around and us laughing and talking. My friends really lift me up and make me feel good!” (Rachel K.)

14. Accomplishment

“I feel the happiest after I accomplish something I’m proud of.” (Lee S.)

15. Be grateful

“Life has so many ups and downs. I feel like each year I gain a new appreciation for genuine happiness. To have a positive mindset in the midst of chaos isn't always easy to do and joy can be so fragile. So, I decided that no matter the mess, I will be grateful.” (Bekah T.)

16. Windows-down car ride

“I feel the happiest during that first windows-down car ride of the new spring. Where you all cram into a car, roll down the windows, and let the still chilly air hit you because it's finally sunny.” (Kiersten B.)

17. Concerts

“All of my happiest moments have been at concerts when you take a second to look around at everyone (friends and strangers) singing and smiling.” (Shelby W.)

18. Every

“Spending time with my grandchildren, having fun with them, laughing with them, and doing what I can to support them in their goals and dreams. Hanging out with my 90-year-old mother, who is as mentally sharp as ever. Every minute counts. Listening to beautiful music and singing from my heart. Laughing with friends. Remembering good times with loved ones (including dear animal buddies!) and looking forward to more of these in the future.” (Susan T-M.)

My goal was to keep the question vague. I asked 18 people to tell me about when they were the happiest. When they asked more questions, I told them to just write from their heart. I received many different replies.

Hearing about what brings each person happiness opened my eyes to the fact that everyone experiences happiness differently. Many people said they felt the happiest with friends and family. Others explained specific moments when they felt the most joy. These touched me the most.

During times like these, we must remember that happiness is possible and it is there. You don’t need a lot of money, a fancy vacation, or nice things to be happy. At the end of the day, we have to realize that happiness can come from the smallest things. You just need to recognize them and be grateful.

Next time something good happens, stop what you are doing, and appreciate the moment. Research has shown that the happiest people take the time to appreciate the little things in life.

Stop for a moment. Stop checking social media and texts when your friends are right in front of you. Take a moment to do something you love, don’t rush through it, and acknowledge the happiness it brings you.

If you take time to appreciate the important things in life, you won’t take them for granted and wish for them back when they’re gone.