Exceptionally, consistently and unshakably
It's a long, long, long answer as to what makes me happy. The short answer is "existing".
The slightly longer answer:
I made it a mission to hack my happiness. The key, I realised, was to be able to be happy and content in the present moment because that is the only moment we ever experience in our lives. The past and future are just thoughts that arise in each moment. This is where lots of people fall over. They chase future happiness (if only I do this; experience that; achieve this; buy that; I will be happy) rather than aiming to make happiness a default, internal, state.
Great post Richard. Are you a fan of Eckhart Tolle by any chance? Good to see this tweaking has worked for you. I'd like to live more in the present moment.
Been sacrificing a lot till now. Trying to bring a bit more balance....as various posts suggest, getting to a perceived destination doesn't make you happy.
I wonder how effective the PRESENT moment would be if that's all I cared about given as you suggest past and future are only thoughts......