Whether happiness is a genetic thing or it's just passed down through attitudes and actions, I don't know. However, the one thing that I do know, is that almost all of those folks on my Dad's side of the family were always a happy go lucky bunch of people! Most of them had eeked out a living scratching in the dirt, mostly as hired hands for other folks....and mostly picking cotton. But they were always very thankful for what little they had to call there own, and they were thankful that they were able to provide for their families...even in the worst of times. Many of them shared housing and food with each other for long periods of time when the going got rough....extended family instantly became immediate family. But they all survived the bad times, and continued on to thrive in the good times. My Grandparents, great-uncles/aunts, cousins...the whole array of relatives...they were all that way.....all the time!
I think because of all that they had to endure and go through, is why they were always so thankful for what they had...whether little or much...and they were not only thankful, but happy to be so blessed when there were many others that had it far worse, and were far worse off.
I was with my Grandad the evening before he passed away, and he said even though his time was short, he was very thankful and extremely happy that he'd been blessed with such a full and happy life! The main things that I remember about him are his constant smile, his joy of life, and the joy and happiness that were always present whenever he was around....and he was always singing or whistling a happy tune...always!
My Dad was much the same...always very thankful and happy that he'd been blessed with such a full and happy life, even though he was poorer than dirt for a good portion of his life, and he worked hard all of his life to provide for his family and for he and my Mom's comfortable retirement. He passed away, but he left us with memories of his happiness...his positive attitude, his contentment with life, his (sometimes twisted) sense of humor....and the ever present smile and laughter.
So whether it's a happiness gene, or just that the attitude of happiness rubbed off on me, I dunno! All I know for a fact, is that I'm a very happy person....always was, still am....and hope to remain that way 'til they compost my carcass! Oh, and speaking of compost, did I happen to mention that it's only 83 days 'til Spring?!