Pursuit of Happiness

Recently as I indulged in a day of self-realization, I came to the conclusion that I want to be more than just content. Being happy is sort of a myth to me. I think that everyone has moments of happiness, especially when they are a child, but I have yet to meet someone who is truly happy. In this day & age, it is rare for an individual to pursue happiness. I say this because being happy is derived from what, as an individual, you feel makes you happy. Yet those feelings are influenced by so many outside factors that the heart of your happiness gets lost in the shuffle.
As adults, we bring our childhood aspirations into our choices and daily activities. The problem with this is as a child, you are not fully equipped, mentally, to not be influenced by friends, celebrities, etc. There are of course people who have your best interests in mind. Yet, that does not mean that their influence is what's best for you. Following a dream, an incredible, personal dream is ideal for everyone. However, making that dream realistic is the most personal part. Unfortunately, reality is sometimes what crushes those dreams.
Personally, I believe that you can create happiness. I feel that if you allow your mind to come to terms with what makes you unhappy, those things lose their power. You have to embrace the small things, treasure the big things, and find a place where you don't take yourself or life to seriously. I am victim to my own seriousness on a daily basis. Sometimes it works in my favor because it keeps me from making irresponsible decisions. Other times it keeps me from making any kind of a decision.
I have launched, at least on paper and in a few small actions, my own pursuit of happiness. After enduring incredible loss, heartache, and disappointment I am done leaving anything to chance. I get really nervous and overwhelmed in my pursuits, but I know thats because I am embarking on unchartered territory. I would rather live and fail, than live and never achieve anything because I'm not sure what's going to happen. But hey, that's just me.