How Do You Define Happiness?

This post will be a little different fare from my norm, but I liked the idea of taking a moment to think about my definition of happiness. 

The Happiness Project encourages bloggers to articulate what they feel happiness means.  I brief trip through other’s comments provides insight and inspiration.  So here’s my stab:

1. How do I define happiness? I’m basically a happy person.  I wake most days with a smile and end each day by giving thanks in prayer for the gift the day has been.  Happiness isn’t just one thing – it isn’t something you can touch – but is a state of mind.  An intentional way of living.  No matter what a particular day hands you; if you look hard enough you’ll find something to be thankful for, someone whose life you’ve touched positively or someone who has contributed to your happiness.  I look for the good in life and life doesn’t disappoint.
2. On a scale of 1-10, how would I rate my happiness now, versus when I was a child? When I was a child, life was simple.  At the time my happiness levels were determined by those around me and so some days were great and some were the end of the world.  Today I appreciate more what God has given to me and the gift that is each day.  Although I may have moments when I am sad, disappointed, angry, frustrated or afraid at the core of my being I’m genuinely a happy person and try to reflect that to those around me.  I’m a 10, baby!
3. What do I do on a daily basis that brings happiness and how consistent is the feeling of happiness throughout your day?  I’m in constant prayer mode.  I have this on-going dialogue with God in my head that keeps me grounded.  He has blessed me so richly with my children, our talents, our health and all that we need to survive.  Just like when I was a child, it is the simple things that I do each day that bring me happiness:  starting each morning with quiet time with my children, using my talents to write and sing, conversations with family and friends and the job that comes from a job well done and satisfied customers, having burping contests over dinner with my kids, singing along with the radio, taking a walk and marveling at the sky and trees, ending each day in giggles with my children.
4. What things take away from your happiness?  What can be done to lessen their impact or remove them from your life? I’m not a Pollyanna – there are days when the happiness meter doesn’t reach the top of the pole, but I have found that if I fake happiness – pretty soon happiness abounds.  My best cure for the blues is music.  With a beat.  And loud.  You can’t stay angry/sad/depressed for long when singing at the top of your lungs and dancing the “monkey” around your living room.
5. What do you plan on doing in the future that will bring you even more happiness? I plan to just continue savoring each day and all the colors it brings.  My children bring me immeasurable joy – and yes, they are teens!  I am writing the “Great American Novel” and that brings me satisfaction.  Should others enjoy reading it – that will bring great joy.  Travel.  Exploring our world and all the really cool people and sites. 

Now it’s your turn.  How would you answer the questions?  Create a blog post of your own and then link back to the Happiness Project so we can all be one big happy family!  Also, check out the Happiness interviews conducted by Alex.

Deborah

Comments

[Alex Shalman]

Thanks for your contribution Deb!

Come on by the site anytime, I'd love to hear more about your novel! =)