Let's Hear It for the Joy . . .

Recently we asked readers to tell us what makes them happy. Here are some of our favorite responses:

TRUE LOVE

I'm generally a happy person to begin with, but there are some key things that really brighten my day! First, I have a really cute husband with big brown eyes that I can't keep my eyes off of. We work together, we live together, we play together, we can't get enough of each other! I also have a fun car that makes me smile -- a brick red 1998 convertible Mitsubishi Eclipse. I've personalized it with my fun stickers, like Boys Lie and I Love Captain Jack Sparrow -- people get a kick out of it when they are sitting in deep traffic. I smile after thinking the best thing to ever happen to food . . . Fried cheesecake! I'm sure that there are plenty of other things that make me happy, but the most important thing is that we are trying to have our first child.

-- Tanika Briggs-Belis,

Montgomery Village

PUPPY LOVE

I arrive home every evening to an 85-pound bundle of joy: Keegan, my 10-year-old yellow Labrador. I was so fortunate to get Keegan as a retired guide dog from New York. Was I making the right decision? I was now an empty nester, and after I picked up Keegan on Sept. 14, 2001 -- that scary time for all Americans -- I realized that my maternal instinct was still in full drive. He had lived with many "puppy walkers" who train these dogs, and he was always preparing for his next new home. He needn't worry: It's been five years, and he's here to stay.

-- Donna Ray Taylor, McLean

POSITIVE-THINKING POWER

I am usually in a good mood by nature, but to be honest, a major reason that I'm often happy is because I choose to be. It's really that simple. At times, I do get negative, angry and down just like anyone. But, I try to not dwell on things and also not take things for granted. Usually, when something I don't like happens, I think, "Is being bitter, negative or depressed going to help?" Why not make the best of it, and stay positive! Being cheerful puts people I come across in everyday life in a good mood too. So, the next time you want to pout, throw on a smile and see what happens!

-- Anthony Shivers, Fairfax

TH E SIMPLE LIFE