The other day, I had lunch with a friend and colleague. Both of us where in the same age bracket; both professionally accomplished with graduate degrees and history of professional accomplishments.

Both of us were not in a great place, not where we were envisioning for ourselves. We talked about professional direction, financial flow and relationship issues.

My friend said “We are in the same age bracket, and in a similar situation … we are not where we need to be.”

She then added “How can you be optimistic about professional direction and improved financial flow?” How can you speak positively of being in love? … How can you be happy?”

What makes the perspective of happy or unhappy.

Is being happy dependent on data that presents itself?