This is my attempt to simplify the teachings of Buddha. Keep in mind that what I am relaying to you are the raw teachings of Buddha. No Buddhist denominational thinking here.
Buddha was a man who strived to find peace and happiness in his life. From one extreme to the other, he searched for a better way. However, the answer does not lie in extremes, it lies in the middle ground.
Balance. It is the key.
No thing can make a person happy. Neither can a lack of a thing make a person happy. Happiness is not about things.
One cannot strive to be happy. One must just be happy.
Okay, I know that sounds a little abstract and perhaps odd. How better can I explain it?
Happiness exudes from a person's being. It flows into a person's life. It will not stop bad things from happening, but it will make those times more bearable. It will not bring more good things, it will just make them better.
Being happy and balanced is not easy. It takes time. It also can hurt. But, if a person is willing to look and search deep within him/herself then the rewards are great.