Happiness is always a by-product. It is probably a matter of temperament, and for anything I know it may be glandular. But it is not something that can be demanded from life, and if you are not happy you had better stop worrying about it and see what treasures you can pluck from your own brand of unhappiness.
- Robertson Davies

Reminds me of a deva called Trishanku who was cursed to spend a couple of lifetimes as a snake when he kicked one of the seven rishes who were carrying his palaquin enroute to having a grand night with the God Indra's wife.

Initially he was rather down and out but then he began to count his blessings- atleast he was an animate creature and could rise again even if after a few hundred years by improving his karmas. Tall order, if you ask me, I rather count my blessings in this lifetime itself and not go around cursing religious people or being a morose idiot discontent with her lot.

Afterall I could have been born a roach or a germ. What the hell am I talking about? I'm as happier than a blushing new bride.