how would define happiness

bols27 · Jun 6, 2011

I define happiness as a lack of anger, sorrow, or disappointment.

I came up with this definition over time after having experienced the other three aforementioned emotions. The origin of my definition is my own feelings through life experiences. My definition of happiness has changed drastically over time. The biggest influences on my experience of happiness were actually feeling pain and sorrow. It is very difficult to understand what it means to be happy until you have been truly unhappy. I do not think my definition of happiness will change in the future as it is impossible to go back and unlive previous events.

Blackheartednurse · Jun 6, 2011

i define happiness as a lack of anger, sorrow, or disappointment.
i came up with this definition over time after having experienced the other three aforementioned emotions. the origin of my definition is my own feelings through life experiences. my definition of happiness has changed drastically over time. the biggest influences on my experience of happiness were actually feeling pain and sorrow. it is very difficult to understand what it means to be happy until you have been truly unhappy. i do not think my definition of happiness will change in the future as it is impossible to go back and unlive previous events.

really is not being unhappy automatically means happy? (please elaborate...)

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jun 6, 2011

I know it when I feel it. I am in a good mood, life is good & all is well in my world. Skiing, hanging out with my wife, bike ride, chainsawing, being at work, free climbing over a bulge using an ax and crampons with some serious exposure, thunder and lightening, my cat, nothing at all and even work. All of the above and more can make me happy but I'm not sure I can explain why.

Doubt that helped but it made me happy to see all of those things in a list....

NPinWCH · Jun 6, 2011

How would define happiness?

Happiness is being able to see the positive even when there is negative. Happiness is a choice you make every day; let the negative get you down, or strive to overcome it. Sometimes it's easy to do, sometimes it's almost impossible. Happiness is usually seen as circumstantial, but you can always try view things from another perspective. It may take time to see the positive/other perspective, but if you keep trying you eventually will.

How did you came up with the definition of happiness?

Maturity and life experience have taught me that if some people can be miserable no matter how good their situation and that if others can be happy no matter theirs then there is something more to it than simply a situation. It must be a choice.

What is the origin of your definition of happiness?

See above, but it is also my faith. I do believe that there is a plan far greater than my own and that plan is for my good. That helps when things are horrible.

Did your definition of happiness changed over time?

Sure. When I was young happiness was a mound of presents under the Christmas tree, that "in love feeling" of a new boyfriend, summer vacations with my family, having money to spend...Now, it's different. Sure those things still make it easy to be happy. It's easy when things are going my way, but giving the presents makes me happy, knowing my husband and I are best friends makes me happy, okay...summer vacation with family still makes me happy. BUT, I can choose to be happy when things aren't good as well. I didn't get a promotion that I really wanted and really thought I deserved. I was sad, then decided not to be and chose to be happy. I went back to school to get my MSN and now I'm an FNP. I love my new job...even when it's not easy. I work to be happy because if you are, other people are happier. When the people around you are happier, it makes you happier and easier to be happy...so yeah, it is different now.

What experience influenced your definition of happiness?

Marriage, kids, work, school...every relationship I've ever had. Watching people hurt and remain happy and optomistic. Seeing people on their death beds smile and comfort the people they are leaving. Being miserable sucks the life out of you and everyone around you. I don't want to be that person. So I work hard not to.

Do you think your definition of happiness will change in future?

Probably not. I try to make it part of who I am. Sure, sometimes I struggle, who doesn't, but I remind myself to smile and that things WILL get better. I know, it sounds trite, but it works for me.

Turd Ferguson · Jun 6, 2011

I need help in completing a project for my BSN program.
I have interview two people how would they define happiness.
These are the questions..
How would define happiness? Happiness is knowing I'm secure (financially and emotionally), I'm loved, I'm appreciated, and I'm a positive influence on the majority of people I interact with. Happiness is something that is affected by my attitude and actions. For instance, the death of a loved one is not going to make me unhappy (I grieve, but overall I am still "happy"). On the contrary, if my marriage suffers from lack of commitment and effort on my part, that will make me unhappy.
How did you came up with the definition of happiness? I came up with my definition of happiness through the culmination of experiences I've had in life thus far. It is one of those things that is hard to define, but you know it when you've got it.
What is the origin of your definition of happiness? See question 2.
Did your definition of happiness changed over time? Absolutely. As a school aged child, I thought happiness was having my favorite toy. As a teen, happiness was having more responsibility entrusted to me. In undergrad, happiness was the ability to make my own schedule and be responsible for my adult actions (that took a lot of practice).
What experience influenced your definition of happiness? My parents, mentors, and peers. Learning by making good and bad decisions. And more recently, my faith in Jesus.
Do you think your definition of happiness will change in future? Although I can't say when or what it will change into, but I'm positive that at some point it will change as I progress through different stages in my life.

Here you go, is this what you're looking for?

bols27 · Jun 6, 2011

:coollook:

really is not being unhappy automatically means happy? (please elaborate...)

i would say that this is fairly accurate in my life. i know it isn't the same for everyone but for me, when i'm not unhappy then i am happy, i dont have much of a middle ground.

colewoods · Nov 23, 2011

Well,life is really a constant quest for happiness.Just recently,I have also read that Drs. Angus Deaton and Daniel Kahneman, of Princeton University, have attempted to find happiness in numbers.Specifically, the physician duo looked at replies to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index (GHWBI) questionnaire. They discovered that United States homes with an average salary of at least $75,000 scored highest for psychological well-being.Article Source:People are happiest at $75,000 per year, says study.

Well,I believe happiness is a choice. It doesn't depend on the external situation. Material things could easily perish in one flick but internal happiness is long lasting.Having harmonious relationships with other people is what makes me happy.The love of our family and friends will make us feel fulfilled.Thus,money can't really buy us happiness.

Poi Dog · Nov 23, 2011

I am happiest when I am content with myself and with what I have.