Hapiness- Out of Our Control Or Can We Make it Happen?

Is being happy something that just happens to us while we wait here for the right circumstances to come along to make us happy? Are our circumstances around us and what we have or who we are in control of our ability to be happy or can we do something about it? I found this article in the LA Times about some research in psychology on the topic of the science of hapiness.
Research shows that while some of our ability to be happy is genetic and depends on our make up, we are also able to have some control over it and are able to persue hapiness. For many years, the study of the science of hapiness was not taken seriously in the field of psychology. But Ed Diener, a professor of psychology at the University of Illinois has been studying hapiness since 1981. Thanks to him and other researchers we now have more books and articles and associations out there on the topic of hapiness. The field of hapiness also now has 2 publications: "The Journal of Positive Psychology" and "The Journal of hapiness Studies".
Sonja Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at UC Riverside analyzed studies on identical twins and others and found that we do have some control on our hapiness and there are things we can do to put ourselves in a better mood. She says in one paragraph: "...came to the conclusion that happiness is 50% genetic, 40% intentional and 10% circumstantial. " She goes on to say that doing things like practicing gratitude, forgiveness, and savoring poistive moments can help our mood. Also, personally I have heard that if you take time to physically smile, (maybe even doing this at home) that this can improve your mood. this I have actually tried when I have been feeling down or anxious and it does work. Another study shows that the pursuit of and engaging in meaninful activities ( meaningful to you) is another way. Being in a state of flow with an activity where you don't even realize the time passing of time. I think this is true too. How many times when you are doing artwork do you come out of it feeling comforted and happier?
Anyway, if you would like to read further, here is the link: http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-happy8-2008sep08,0,3855201.story?page=1&track=rss