exhilaration

The state of being stimulated, refreshed, or elated: “Few Yosemite visitors ever see snow avalanches and fewer still know the exhilaration of riding on them” (John Muir).

noun

High spirits: animation, elatedness, elation, euphoria, exaltation, inspiration, lift, uplift. See happy/unhappy.

Definition: great happiness, excitement
Antonyms: agitation, depression, discouragement, unhappiness, upset, worry

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
  Synonym: excitement

Quotes:

"Exhilaration is that feeling you get just after a great idea hits you, and just before you realize what's wrong with it." - Rex Harrison