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What does HAPPY mean?
Olivia_WebMD_Staff posted:
Last week this year's list of the "happiest" states came out. Based on that, I started thinking about the concept of happiness.
What do you think being "happy" means?
Is it all about what you have (as in possessions or money) or your state of mind? Something else?
And, based on your definition...are YOU happy?
What do you think being "happy" means?
Is it all about what you have (as in possessions or money) or your state of mind? Something else?
And, based on your definition...are YOU happy?
25 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?Last week this year's <a href="http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20120228/top-5-happiest-states-in-the-us">list of the "happiest" states</a> came out. Based on that, I started thinking about the concept of happiness. <br /> <br />What do you think being "happy" means? <br /> <br />Is it all about what you have (as in possessions or money) or your state of mind? Something else? <br /> <br />And, based on your definition...are YOU happy?
Monamia responded:
Happiness, for me, is definitely a state of mind. I believe the key to happiness is being sincerely grateful and enjoying all the good things in one's life, big and small. So enjoy a hug from a friend or a walk out in nature or a piece of music or show as much as you would a great vacation to your dream destination.
And, given that definition, I'm definitely in a happier 'place' this year.
And, given that definition, I'm definitely in a happier 'place' this year.
Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?Happiness, for me, is definitely a state of mind. I believe the key to happiness is being sincerely grateful and enjoying all the good things in one's life, big and small. So enjoy a hug from a friend or a walk out in nature or a piece of music or show as much as you would a great vacation to your dream destination. <br /><br />And, given that definition, I'm definitely in a happier 'place' this year. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
SoCalSuz responded:
Once I had kids, the word "happy" took on a new meaning for me! It's easy to let the small stuff go and be happy that your kids are safe and healthy.
My goals for 2012 included stress reduction and I am actively working on that this year. I think that the stress and anxiety of everyday life keep many of us from experiencing overall happy feelings.
S
My goals for 2012 included stress reduction and I am actively working on that this year. I think that the stress and anxiety of everyday life keep many of us from experiencing overall happy feelings.
S
Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?Once I had kids, the word "happy" took on a new meaning for me! It's easy to let the small stuff go and be happy that your kids are safe and healthy. <br /><br />My goals for 2012 included stress reduction and I am actively working on that this year. I think that the stress and anxiety of everyday life keep many of us from experiencing overall happy feelings. <br /><br />S
tlkittycat1968 responded:
State of mind. Look at how many people have everything they could ever want and are still miserable. You can be poor and happy and rich and miserable.
Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?State of mind. Look at how many people have everything they could ever want and are still miserable. You can be poor and happy and rich and miserable.
butterflygarden responded:
I agree with those who already posted...for me it is a state of mind. When I was younger I remember sitting around feeling miserable because I couldn't HAVE this or that or couldn't DO this or that.
As I matured it dawned on me that I am the one responsible for whether I am happy. I have a lovely family and wonderful friends. I may not be able to have and do all the things I want, but what I do have and do I appreciate and enjoy.
Am I ever dissatisfied? Yep, you bet. But, I am not unhappy. I think it just takes us a while sometimes to reach that understanding with ourselves. And, sadly there are some people in this world who will never get there.
But, maybe they are "happy" being miserable!
Butterfly
As I matured it dawned on me that I am the one responsible for whether I am happy. I have a lovely family and wonderful friends. I may not be able to have and do all the things I want, but what I do have and do I appreciate and enjoy.
Am I ever dissatisfied? Yep, you bet. But, I am not unhappy. I think it just takes us a while sometimes to reach that understanding with ourselves. And, sadly there are some people in this world who will never get there.
But, maybe they are "happy" being miserable!
Butterfly
Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?I agree with those who already posted...for me it is a state of mind. When I was younger I remember sitting around feeling miserable because I couldn't HAVE this or that or couldn't DO this or that. <br /><br />As I matured it dawned on me that I am the one responsible for whether I am happy. I have a lovely family and wonderful friends. I may not be able to have and do all the things I want, but what I do have and do I appreciate and enjoy. <br /><br />Am I ever dissatisfied? Yep, you bet. But, I am not unhappy. I think it just takes us a while sometimes to reach that understanding with ourselves. And, sadly there are some people in this world who will never get there. <br /><br />But, maybe they are "happy" being miserable! <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /><br />Butterfly
sarah0323 responded:
It is a state of mind. I can easily be a glass is half empty type person. A few years ago I decided that I had to start finding the positive in everything. That made my whole outlook change.
Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?It is a state of mind. I can easily be a glass is half empty type person. A few years ago I decided that I had to start finding the positive in everything. That made my whole outlook change.
Peacehappinesslove responded:
Happy means accepting oneself as a human with flaws and
yet always being "a work in progress". By that I mean always
trying to improve myself while loving myself completly in the
present. It also means realizing that the only thing I control is
my reaction to people & events. That realization is so freeing
and has increased my happiness a thousandfold once I em-
braced it. I used to be a control freak--very unhappy way to live! Now I appreciate others happiness much more & find that I must be giving off a happiness vibe because people tend
to smile when they see me. Possessions & money have little to do with it. As long as you have enough to keep a roof over your head & food on the table; that's enough. I wish happiness to all.
yet always being "a work in progress". By that I mean always
trying to improve myself while loving myself completly in the
present. It also means realizing that the only thing I control is
my reaction to people & events. That realization is so freeing
and has increased my happiness a thousandfold once I em-
braced it. I used to be a control freak--very unhappy way to live! Now I appreciate others happiness much more & find that I must be giving off a happiness vibe because people tend
to smile when they see me. Possessions & money have little to do with it. As long as you have enough to keep a roof over your head & food on the table; that's enough. I wish happiness to all.
Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?Happy means accepting oneself as a human with flaws and <br />yet always being "a work in progress". By that I mean always<br />trying to improve myself while loving myself completly in the<br />present. It also means realizing that the only thing I control is<br />my reaction to people & events. That realization is so freeing<br />and has increased my happiness a thousandfold once I em-<br />braced it. I used to be a control freak--very unhappy way to live! Now I appreciate others happiness much more & find that I must be giving off a happiness vibe because people tend<br />to smile when they see me. Possessions & money have little to do with it. As long as you have enough to keep a roof over your head & food on the table; that's enough. I wish happiness to all.
bluhope44 replied to Peacehappinesslove's response:
Happiness is definitely a state of mind. Money is temporary, but the affection from a parent or child creates a longlasting memory of happiness. Sometimes happiness comes in moments of "joy" when something extraordinary happens, and we feel a sense of contentment. Happiness is not a constant state because challenges come everyone's way no matter who you are, how fortunate you are, or what your background is. We need to appreciate those moments all the time.
Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?Happiness is definitely a state of mind. Money is temporary, but the affection from a parent or child creates a longlasting memory of happiness. Sometimes happiness comes in moments of "joy" when something extraordinary happens, and we feel a sense of contentment. Happiness is not a constant state because challenges come everyone's way no matter who you are, how fortunate you are, or what your background is. We need to appreciate those moments all the time.
C5858 responded:
HAVING BEAUTIFUL HAIR,AND BEAUTIFUL SKIN.. I WOULD BE SO HAPPY TO HAVE BEAUTIFUL SKIN AND HAIR,FOR ONCE AND FOR ALL. I AM GETTING OLDER. I HAVE OLD SCARES FROM BAD ACNE FROM MY YOUNGER DAYS. AND DARK CIRCLES UNDER MY EYES. I WOULD BE SO HAPPY IF YOU COULD HELP ME. I AM SO SHAME,I WOULD FILL SO FREE,I SAW A SHOW TODAY ON DR DREW,HOW DR EVAN'S PERFORMED A MIRACLE ON THIS LADIE,AND WAS ABLE TO RELATED TO HER,I WAS WISHING THAT IS WAS I. IF ONLY WE I COULD AFFORD IT.
Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?HAVING BEAUTIFUL HAIR,AND BEAUTIFUL SKIN.. I WOULD BE SO HAPPY TO HAVE BEAUTIFUL SKIN AND HAIR,FOR ONCE AND FOR ALL. I AM GETTING OLDER. I HAVE OLD SCARES FROM BAD ACNE FROM MY YOUNGER DAYS. AND DARK CIRCLES UNDER MY EYES. I WOULD BE SO HAPPY IF YOU COULD HELP ME. I AM SO SHAME,I WOULD FILL SO FREE,I SAW A SHOW TODAY ON DR DREW,HOW DR EVAN'S PERFORMED A MIRACLE ON THIS LADIE,AND WAS ABLE TO RELATED TO HER,I WAS WISHING THAT IS WAS I. IF ONLY WE I COULD AFFORD IT.
queston responded:
It's probably not a coincidence that three of the top ten "happy" states in that article were "boring fly-over states." (South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas, which is where I live.) People here in the heartland do know something about being content with what you have.
I know that sounds super cliche, but I think there's something to it. I did not grow up here, in fact, I was 40 when I moved here. But people really are happier. Life is a little simpler than in the cities where I've lived, which is sometimes a frustration, but sometimes a blessing as well.
I know that sounds super cliche, but I think there's something to it. I did not grow up here, in fact, I was 40 when I moved here. But people really are happier. Life is a little simpler than in the cities where I've lived, which is sometimes a frustration, but sometimes a blessing as well.
Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?It's probably not a coincidence that three of the top ten "happy" states in that article were "boring fly-over states." (South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas, which is where I live.) People here in the heartland do know something about being content with what you have.<br /><br />I know that sounds super cliche, but I think there's something to it. I did not grow up here, in fact, I was 40 when I moved here. But people really are happier. Life is a little simpler than in the cities where I've lived, which is sometimes a frustration, but sometimes a blessing as well.
susiemargaret replied to C5858's response:
hello, C --
you have nothing to be ashamed of; having skin problems is not a character flaw or a weakness, it is just having skin problems.
you might want to re-post this inquiry in the skin problems/treatments community for some good advice and emotional support, http://exchanges.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments-exchange .
-- susie margaret
you have nothing to be ashamed of; having skin problems is not a character flaw or a weakness, it is just having skin problems.
you might want to re-post this inquiry in the skin problems/treatments community for some good advice and emotional support, http://exchanges.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments-exchange .
-- susie margaret
Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?hello, C --<br /> <br />you have nothing to be ashamed of; having skin problems is not a character flaw or a weakness, it is just having skin problems.<br /> <br />you might want to re-post this inquiry in the skin problems/treatments community for some good advice and emotional support, <a href="http://exchanges.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments-exchange">http://exchanges.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments-exchange</a> .<br /> <br />-- susie margaret
intrepidlover responded:
In order to know what is happiness, you need to open the old files of your memory in your brain and revisit them. Then you must watch people and try to know when these people are really happy. Then observe animals especially those who are very friendly to you, for example your pet dog. The way he comes and jumps on you when you come home after a day of work.
If you have watched very carefully, you would know that people feel the greatest of happiness when they love, laugh and care. Observation on love is that people like being with their friends. Then people like watching funny serials. People like caring for their children (at least normal people do). These are the times when a 'normal' person is really happy.
So, once we know the source of true happiness, why not make them unconditional. E.g. Love gives us happiness, why not love those people whom you never have time for, your subordinates at work or orphans etc. Why not laugh while talking to people and that too without any reason. Why not care for the unfortunate. And let me tell you, you can get bored off your friends, you can get bored off watching the same thing again and again and laughing at it, you can get bored of your kids sometime, BUT YOU WILL NEVER GET BORED OF BEING UNCONDITIONAL.
If you have watched very carefully, you would know that people feel the greatest of happiness when they love, laugh and care. Observation on love is that people like being with their friends. Then people like watching funny serials. People like caring for their children (at least normal people do). These are the times when a 'normal' person is really happy.
So, once we know the source of true happiness, why not make them unconditional. E.g. Love gives us happiness, why not love those people whom you never have time for, your subordinates at work or orphans etc. Why not laugh while talking to people and that too without any reason. Why not care for the unfortunate. And let me tell you, you can get bored off your friends, you can get bored off watching the same thing again and again and laughing at it, you can get bored of your kids sometime, BUT YOU WILL NEVER GET BORED OF BEING UNCONDITIONAL.
Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?In order to know what is happiness, you need to open the old files of your memory in your brain and revisit them. Then you must watch people and try to know when these people are really happy. Then observe animals especially those who are very friendly to you, for example your pet dog. The way he comes and jumps on you when you come home after a day of work.<br />If you have watched very carefully, you would know that people feel the greatest of happiness when they love, laugh and care. Observation on love is that people like being with their friends. Then people like watching funny serials. People like caring for their children (at least normal people do). These are the times when a 'normal' person is really happy.<br />So, once we know the source of true happiness, why not make them unconditional. E.g. Love gives us happiness, why not love those people whom you never have time for, your subordinates at work or orphans etc. Why not laugh while talking to people and that too without any reason. Why not care for the unfortunate. And let me tell you, you can get bored off your friends, you can get bored off watching the same thing again and again and laughing at it, you can get bored of your kids sometime, BUT YOU WILL NEVER GET BORED OF BEING UNCONDITIONAL.
intrepidlover responded:
I forgot to mention something about state of mind. You know when you wake up early in the morning, you feel fresh, this is state of mind and not happiness. Another example, watching beautiful scenary, walking in greenery, watching the waves of water in a beach etc makes you feel something. Now this something is the state of mind and it is not happiness. Also, you run and do some field exercises and then you get exhausted, this exhaustion is also very pleasant. You MAY call it a state of mind. Then when you are having a deep sleep, this is state of mind and not happiness. A person who is alone cannot be happy, we all need people around us otherwise it will simply freak you out. And best way to approach people is to be honest, sincere and modest.
Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?I forgot to mention something about state of mind. You know when you wake up early in the morning, you feel fresh, this is state of mind and not happiness. Another example, watching beautiful scenary, walking in greenery, watching the waves of water in a beach etc makes you feel something. Now this something is the state of mind and it is not happiness. Also, you run and do some field exercises and then you get exhausted, this exhaustion is also very pleasant. You MAY call it a state of mind. Then when you are having a deep sleep, this is state of mind and not happiness. A person who is alone cannot be happy, we all need people around us otherwise it will simply freak you out. And best way to approach people is to be honest, sincere and modest.
vlp6570 responded:
what does HAPPY mean to me?
I have a memory of a happy moment. If I could capture the excitement, joy, thoughtfulness, and love, that I was feeling during that moment- I would always be happy...
I have a memory of a happy moment. If I could capture the excitement, joy, thoughtfulness, and love, that I was feeling during that moment- I would always be happy...
Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?what does HAPPY mean to me?<br />I have a memory of a happy moment. If I could capture the excitement, joy, thoughtfulness, and love, that I was feeling during that moment- I would always be happy...
3point14 responded:
For me, a lot of my happiness does pertain to financial and material success. But that's because a lot of my positive self-image includes being motivated and determined and aiming for success. I find a lot of pleasure in doing well, so I try to excel at everything I try.
I'm really really happy pretty much like 99% of the time.
I'm really really happy pretty much like 99% of the time.
Report This| Share this:What does HAPPY mean?For me, a lot of my happiness <i>does </i>pertain to financial and material success. But that's because a lot of my positive self-image includes being motivated and determined and aiming for success. I find a lot of pleasure in doing well, so I try to excel at everything I try.<br /> <br />I'm really really happy pretty much like 99% of the time. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
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