She wasn’t loud, or dressed in bright colors, or laughing uncontrollably like the movies make you think happiness looks like. Instead, she was quiet. She smiled like she meant it, not just because someone was watching. She said “thank you” like it was the most natural thing in the world — and she looked people in the eye when she said it.

What struck me most was how fully present she was. No scrolling, no rushing, no checking the time. Just listening. Just being there.

She told me she wakes up every morning and writes down one small thing she’s looking forward to — even if it’s just her morning coffee. That’s it. No big dreams, no chase. Just moments, noticed.

I don’t know if she’s rich. I don’t know if she has a picture-perfect life. But I do know this: peace looked good on her.

And if that’s what happiness looks like, maybe I’ve been looking in the wrong places.