Happiness is a state of mind characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. It is a state, not a trait, meaning that it is not a long-lasting, permanent feature or personality trait, but a more fleeting, changeable state. Happiness is equated with feeling pleasure or contentment, meaning that it is not to be confused with joy, ecstasy, bliss, or other more intense feelings. Happiness can be either feeling or showing, meaning that it is not necessarily an internal or external experience, but can be both.
Different people have different definitions of happiness. For some, happiness is the ability to recognize and appreciate the good things in life without letting the bad things overshadow them. For others, happiness is the ability to experience gratitude and meaning amidst all experiences, and finding the good or the purpose within whatever the circumstances may be. Happiness can also be self-care and mental wellbeing, having the autonomy to make ones own decisions on how to contribute to the well-being of others. For some, happiness is a balance of hedonistic and personal growth endeavors that make them a better person and enjoy themselves while doing it. Happiness can also be living in accordance with one's values and actively pursuing those values.
In summary, happiness is a state of mind characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. It is not a long-lasting, permanent feature or personality trait, but a more fleeting, changeable state. Different people have different definitions of happiness, but it generally involves recognizing and appreciating the good things in life, experiencing gratitude and meaning, and living in accordance with one's values.
