Happiness is a universal pursuit as said.But there are several views one can have about happiness either due to one's experience or state of mind.
I remember last December, when my family had a get together,when we talked together on the dining table. During the get together, my father said,"We are all happy, I want each of us to tell us what we see happiness as and with back up".
As the smallest boy in the house, the discussion started with me. I said my view of happiness is more than just having material resources but it's about finding fulfillment and contentment in life. My back was that I wasn't working, so u don't have money but I am happy because I came in first position in school and I am content with being the best in my class.
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Next to speak was my brother, who started by saying that his perspective of happiness is that it is something that can be cultivated through practices such as mindfulness, self care and self satisfaction.
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He backed up his point by saying that there is nothing anyone could do to take away his happinesses when he is playing his Xbox or chatting with his girlfriend. This brought laughter and little suspense(due to the part of "girlfriend").
Now my mom said her part. She told us she believes that happiness comes by choice. One can be happy by prioritizing things that bring joy to the person. She backed herself up by saying that she was always happy when she met her daily goal of cleaning up the house and cooking before my dad,sister and I returned from school or work. So she chooses to do her job very well and on time, knowing that will bring joy to her and to everyone in the family too because when we return and see a delicious meal waiting for us, then we will be happy.
Finally, my dad concluded by saying that happiness is contagious. Whenever he sees that his family is happy, he is always happy too. Happiness can also depend on current information one's mind is set on.He backed up his point by saying that when he leaves the house in the morning happy but hears bad news in the workplace, he feels bad most times.
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My dad, who was very much educated, told me about a seminar he attended whose theme was on the different perspectives of happiness and he could still remember some theories he learned then. He started by telling us the Hedonic theory of happiness which is based on the idea that happiness comes from pleasure and not having pain.
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He also told the Eudaimonic theory which says fulfillment of goals brings happiness. He concluded by saying that happiness could result from one comparing himself or herself with other people and this theory is the social comparison theory.
For me I see happiness as a journey because one can never say he or she can be happy forever. One can be happy today and sad tomorrow, therefore, happiness is more like a journey with no destination.
