Things really don’t make me happy.  Acceptance and recognition.  I first have to be happy with whom I am.  The other two “states” are also important.  You can have everything you want and still be unhappy.  Each person has a calling.  You certainly are unhappy if you are not following yours.  It is hard to do alone.  An occasional recognition for your accomplishments, that validate what you are trying to do is necessary.  It keeps you going.  A word of praise can keep you going for a long time.  That is why I keep an “Inspiration” file.  When my enthusiasm wanes or depression sets in I pull out the file and get recharged reading my collection I amassed over the years just for that purpose.  Things don’t really make me happy.