Wow! I have only got 500 words for this enormous subject. (489 remaining). Yes, I am on the happiness trail. I hope you feel able to join me.

There are still an enormous number of people on this trail and have been for centuries past.

I like to start with a basic definition and the one many psychologists adopt is:

“A state of well being, contentment and life satisfaction.”

I think it may be helpful to consider each of these three concepts separately.

Some mental health experts prefer to talk about the idea of ‘well being’ instead of happiness. Dr Martin Seligman, the founder of ‘Positive Psychology’ has adopted this approach. He says there are five elements that count towards it:

1 Positive Emotion. For example; Excitement, Pleasure, Relaxation.

2 Engagement. For example “going with the flow”.

3 Relationships. Our social networks are important.

4 Meaning and Purpose. Being connected to something greater than oneself.

5 Accomplishment. Satisfaction gained from the process involved in achieving goals.

Now the second concept - Contentment.

Tony Gaskins a life coach and motivational speaker said:

“To be content does not mean you do not desire more, it means you are thankful for what you have and patient for what’s to come.” 

Someone else who has studied this subject is professor John Drury a social psychologist at Sussex University. He says:

“Contentment is a soul at rest. A content person has come to terms with who they are. They can celebrate their strengths. They have accepted areas of their life where they are not skilled. They have learned to be grateful for what they have… they have decided to take responsibility for their life…

The contented person enjoys more moments of their life each and every day. It is even a joy to take a little time to thoroughly chew my food rather than wolfing it down in a functional way.” 

Finally we come to Life Satisfaction.

I read last week that recent research showed that personality has considerably more of an impact on Life Satisfaction than your circumstances.

Dr Rene Mottus who lectures at Edinburgh University specialises in human personality. He said his research showed that the most satisfied people were more emotionally stable, extroverted and conscientious. They also felt understood, excited and decisive, while less satisfied people felt envious, bored, used and unrewarded.

According to the website for ‘Positive Psychology’, life satisfaction can be improved through a combination of factors, such as:

- Positive relationships,

- Fulfilling work,

- Engaging in hobbies and leisure activities,

- Practicing gratitude,

- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

To finish, a couple of quotes:

“Everyone wants to live at the top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you are climbing it.” Andy Rooney

“Until you make peace with who you are you’ll never be content with what you have.” Doris Mortman

Please remember nobody can be happy all of the time!

Teg

A Moodscope member