Is happiness a feeling or a knowing? Is it some fleeting feeling we all strive to achieve? According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, happiness is “a state of well-being and contentment.” Can a person be continually happy while also facing struggles or experience pain or grief? What makes a person happy? I’ve often wondered what makes a person content—or even happy—while muddling through tough times. Is it in their DNA to be perpetually positive and helpful or is it the belief that having hope leads to happiness? From the Dalai Lama XIV in The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living, he is quoted as saying, “When life becomes too complicated and we feel overwhelmed, it’s often useful just to stand back and remind ourselves of our overall purpose, our overall goal. When faced with a feeling of stagnation and confusion, it may be helpful to take an hour, an afternoon, or even several days to simply reflect on what it is that will truly bring us happiness, and then reset our priorities on the basis of that. This can put our life back in proper context, allow a fresh perspective, and enable us to see which direction to take.” What brings … Continue reading Happiness. What is happiness? What does it mean?