A question

My mother always said that life is full of obstacles and the biggest obstacle is the one that brings you the happiness you have always dreamed of. I used to wonder . How can an obstacle bring you happiness? Does the happiness come after crossing the obstacle ? A very absurd question that is. Or do you experience happiness while you are trying to cross that obstacle? I have not found the answer yet. I will discover that on my own. I will not ask anyone this question as the answer will find its way to me one day.
I grew up in many different places. I met many different people from many different countries. Changing schools was an obstacle at the time. Meeting new friends and enjoying their company was the happiness that came after crossing that obstacle. Friendships were the happiness that satisfied me as a child. Being a young woman at twenty four , I have crossed many obstacles in my life and I have not found the happiness my mother was telling me about. My life is not devoid of millions of moments of joy . I smile everyday but are these the smiles of happiness?