Moderated by
Lianne Kirby, MA in Counselling Psychology
Counselor
I believe everyone should have the opportunity for their voice to be heard. I use a trauma informed, person centred approach in counselling.
Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
January 20th, 2021 7:49pm
I believe you know you're truly happy when you don't think about anything else and you can't really explain how you are feeling because it's just a great relief.
Anonymous
February 6th, 2021 9:08pm
Happiness is subjective. It is because of this face that it is hard to make a checklist to follow in order to clarify if what you are feeling is happiness. Another aspect of this is your personal values. Values are different for everyone, those are the things we deem important and are usually influenced by other people's values such as our parents' values or the values marketed by society, despite them being something that we should be able to choose. For example, if our parents value career success as the most important, it is likely that we will grow up validating our own success with how successful we are at school or at work. This can be very detrimental and even if we achieve that job success we may not feel truly happy. Happiness is subjective, as I said, but there is a trend with true happiness which involves the relationships we form with others, interacting and living in accepting environments. Happiness isn't something you gain it is something you work for everyday and once you do feel it it can slip away as fast as it came. This is why even healthy people have bad days, even happy people aren't happy all the time but it doesn't mean that true happiness doesn't exist. This is all my opinion but I think that true happiness is to be able to co-exist with ones emotions, negative and positive, to be able to experience momentary comfort with mortality and cope with your circumstances on your own terms. A lot of people I know, myself included, went through or are still going through a phase in which being sad also sparks unending guilt because 'it isn't healthy to be sad'. I disagree with this, sadness is a valid response to situational stimuli and it is healthy to express it and when you do let yourself feel those negative emotions without repressing them or extracting guilt from them, it does allow true happiness to grow within.
Anonymous
February 12th, 2021 11:10am
When you are truly happy you feel like you are living on cloud 9. Life treats you well and it shows. Generally when you are truly happy you are in a really positive mood, you smile a lot and you overall feel good. Being truly happy is honestly how you feel being tuely happy is. Someone's version of being happy could be the complete opposite of your vision. Always do you! Put yourself first when it comes to being happy. Never allow someone to kill your joy and optimism because you are a really amazing person who wants to live life to the 💯
Anonymous
February 16th, 2021 4:26pm
I don’t think anyone realizes if they’re truly happy or not. Sometimes we look at al the bad in our life and forget all the good. We forget the blessings that we have. If we’re I’ll. We fell why God, why me? If our spouse is ill, we also ask why? We have to accept the good and the bad. We need to count our blessings and keep praying. I’ve learnt that prayer keeps you grounded. Sometimes you feel God is not with you, but as the saying goes, he gives only what we can bear.
Anonymous
March 4th, 2021 8:28am
personally, I start to notice that I enjoy my self in my alone time. I smile even if no one is around I giggle I dance on my own. if I notice my self doing those things I know I am happy. and if I am doing these things for maybe a week straight I know my mental health is better than it was. and the days that am just sitting dull or crying in my own company or I constantly am trying to keep my mind busy by scrolling on the gram or binging on series or constantly wanting company I know that is the time I should stop and get myself together
Anonymous
March 4th, 2021 9:07am
I think the important part of being happy is to know that it is permanent contentness and not just temporary - not a fleeting feeling of happiness.
I know that I am truly happy when I stop to think just about myself. And when I stop to take everything such as something personal. I know that I am truly happy when I live life completely it doesn't matter if I am upset with something. To me, happiness has nothing to do with excitement it is not the absence of sadness. It is always there in the background. If you pay close attention you will see. Your very nature is happiness. you are the happiness itself. You don't need to get rid of anything in order to be happy. Happiness is all-inclusive.
I think happy can be used in different ways. I can instantly know I'm happy when I'm laughing with my friends or when I watch comedy, no ambiguity there...
Happy can also mean "I am happy with the way things are" - which means I am content with current status of things. I know I'm content when I don't feel compelled to make changes in life; in other word, I don't feel like that I need to make alteration to somethings just to be content with life - things are fine the way they are.
Happy can also mean happiness, which is a really complex topic. I think it has to do with having meaning or a purpose in life, feeling that what I do matters, perhaps can contribute to other people's wellbeing or help them in some other manner. When life feels meaningful - and I say feel because it is something ineffable, not a particular meaning OF life. It is meaning IN life, it's something that I can just feel. When life feels meaningful, I am truly happy.
Anonymous
March 26th, 2021 8:25am
I feel it, your belly feel it. It's a strange sensation, but you know happiness reached you when you can feel it inhabit your body: simple actions become easier, the chest feels less heavy, less tight, thoughts stop running and give you some peace. Suddenly, the world starts to exist under a different light - and it's not the world which changed - but you are the one who see every object under a different view, under a light of curiosity and hope. You start accepting and condoning what the world did to you, you start to forgive yourself, knowing that how you acted was, at that harsh time, the best way possible.
Anonymous
April 2nd, 2021 7:02pm
hmm.. I think it would be when you stop comparing or having other people’s meaning of happiness interfere with yours. Because, I think sometimes we get too engaged or into with other people’s happiness to the point that we unconsciously set that as a standard for our own happiness too. For example, if someone defines happiness as having someone with you like a boyfriend/girlfriend, money, fame, power, or whatever it may be and just because that’s what you see or observe from them, you also think that yours should also be like it. To put it easier, you will know if you have your own definition and means of happiness, like it’s not just something that you have set to yourself based on what you see from your friends, family or whoever the fvck that is. Also, it’s when the inside you feels light, and of course when you’re not just faking it.
When I am completely connected with the present moment and I am conscious and aware of everything and everyone around me. When I begin to feel and act grateful for everything I have, for all the people in my life, the lessons I have learned and the world around me. When I appreciate nature in its purest form and I show respect for it. I know I’m truly happy when I can be happy for someone else. When I am constructive towards myself and towards others. When I am genuinely happy for other people’s happiness. When I surrender myself to loving and receiving love from others.
Anonymous
April 21st, 2021 10:11am
Happiness is a journey and contentment is a marker I use to constantly gauge this. If I can honestly say I wholeheartedly accept who I am and the situation I am in even if I would like to make it different in some ways depending on the impact I would like to make, I believe that is happiness. Impact to me is measured by the positive influence I have on others based on my choices or my input into their lives. The human condition is one of constant striving and often we forget the importance of being content even as we seek to make changes
I would know that I'm truly happy when several factors in my life are stress free or accomplished. Firstly, I will need a job that makes decent money to make me money and a job that obviously makes me happy. Secondly, I will not have tension with my close ones such as family and friends. Tension in relationships is one of the main things that have disrupt my happiness. Lastly, I will need to be doing something that is helps the community which can be through my job or on my spare time to make a difference to the society we live in.
Anonymous
May 12th, 2021 11:45am
Maybe once you reach a point where you no longer constantly have to ask yourself that? Maybe, it'll just sneak up on you and you will realise that you have reached that point. Some do say that true happiness is also a conscious choice that we have to make (instead of waiting around for it to come to us). So, maybe at a time where you feel peaceful or good, decide in that moment to try to allow yourself to feel truly happy? If that makes sense? Then, you can slowly practice that until it becomes a reality, and you are a happier person :).
That is a very good question. Many people battle with that question day in and day out. True happiness needs to come from inside, from deep down within you. Happiness that comes from luxury or from physical gain, will not provide a concrete or permanent sense of joy. In order to achieve true happiness, you need to challenge yourself and accomplish and do good deeds for another. This fills you inside with a sense of glowing pleasure and satisfaction, and that, I believe, is the ultimate way or path to achieving true joy and fulfillment through self-discovery and growth.
Although happiness can't have one particular definition, it is dynamic. It depends from person to person for a child happiness would be getting his favorite toy. For a adult finding a good job or finding a partner would be a happiness. For a parent, success of their children brings happiness. But there are certain parameters, like:
1)Feeling of gratitude towards others
2)finding beauty in small thing like in seeing a plant or flower.
3) When you wish to share your happiness and smile with others.
These are some of the parameters. And as it is said that happiness is a "state of mind". If your mind is listening to you and in your control. You are Absolutely Happy
I think this is a difficult but really cool question to ask. There are many different ways to define being happy and what is meaningful to one person might not feel the same to another. I would like to say that for me, being able to surround myself with supportive people, food I like, and activities that challenge me make me feel really good. When I feel connected to something important it makes me happy. I am curious about your use of the word "truly", I think there are many ways to feel and if you feel happy that is enough. Whatever you are feeling is valid and if you would like to talk more, please reach out for support.
Quite honestly, you can't. If you have to ask yourself that question, odds are you are not as happy with your life as you would probably like to be. The bittersweet thing about that though, is happiness can't really be neatly quantified. The best thing to do is not question it. Happiness isn't something you logically know, it's something you feel. Questioning it will lead you to thinking about potentially why you're not happy, why you shouldn't be, etc. It's rumination essentially. At the end of the day, happiness like all things is temporary. Don't think, just feel :)
Happiness is different for everybody. Everybody might feel like they are living their life ot its fullest by doing different things, so there's no set of requirements or goals that you need to achieve to be happy. it doesn't even have to mean that ou feel happy and positive the whole time. But real happiness usually comes from the fact that you feel comfortable in your own skin, have set some healthy boundaries for yourself and others and feel safe and heard in your environment. There's no real check list that you can cross points off of to know that you are happy, because everybody might need something different.
Happiness is very much related to satisfaction. If you have been feeling content with the lifestyle in front of you, the chances are that you are happy! Sure, life is not a linear plane. We face ups and downs, but amidst the challenging moments of life, you would feel hopeful and determined to see yourself through it. Having said that, it's not possible to be happy 24/7. Allow yourself to be real with how you feel and hold on to hope. A truly happy person is true to themselves and is filled with contentment regarding the opportunities life has given them.
You find yourself smiling and laughing often. You treat people well (including yourself), expecting nothing in return. Not seeking out happiness in other people. Happy people make others feel better. They light up the world around them with their happiness! It's being excited to wake up every day and live your day to day life. You have compassion to listen to others when you're truly happy. You prioritize your own needs when you're truly happy. You don't take anything too personally or seriously. Your mindset is focused on growth! Failures only seem the teach you how to get better. It's apparent the world is ultimately good, as long as you get out there and try at what you love.
Anonymous
December 2nd, 2021 10:55pm
I think happiness for everyone is able to be different and there is no right answer. Happiness for one can be completely different for someone else. What one person may like to do can help them, but it may not help someone else. There music as an example, some people are ok with listening to classical music to help them relax or get them to a calmer place and others are unable to relax with that music. It can be said with many things that are able to make some happy, feel joy, or even relax. Not everything that works for one will always work for someone else.
The only times I feel and genuinely believe I am truly happy are when I want to share that joy with my loved ones. I would find myself going up to them, calling them up, and telling them that which is making me elated. My fingers shiver a little, I also end up stuttering (a personal reaction haha, might not be the same for all) and I think, people around you, if they have good instincts, will easily see a spark in your eyes when you are swimming in the lake of joy. Real joy is only felt when you have experienced real sorrow and vice-versa. It is only YOU who can sense the wave of exhilaration inside you and no one else.
Happiness is defined by the individual. For me, being happy is relaxing with a few people I trust and feel comfortable around. Someone else could be a lot happier around more people or doing more extroverted activities. Everyone has their own "happy place". Happiness isn't just an end game, it can be found in the little things and moments that pass by all too soon.
Personally, I find the most happiness in any moment that makes me smile. It's not always easy to see, especially if you have a lot on your mind and a lot going on in your life. So don't be down on yourself if you just can't see those little moments of happiness. It just takes a little reaching out. Need new friends? Check out some discord servers with people who have the same interests as you! Or even look through a subreddit or two and you can make a connection with people. Want some freedom from family or alone time? Go to a Starbucks nearby and people watch with some tea. It can be incredibly rewarding to simply exist. You don't need to justify your existence.
Anonymous
January 6th, 2022 10:50am
I know I am truly happy on how I am able to be confident in my own skin. I am taking care of myself holistically: body, mind, spiritually. I am aware of my triggers and urge surf to where I want and need to go. I keep an open mind. I prioritize what I need before helping others. I "Place my own oxygen mask on first". I help others. I exercise. I enjoy my hobbies. I get out in nature and feel alive. I operated my whole system with grace and ease. I tell myself positive affirmations. I believe the affirmation. I feel free to be me. That is how I now I am truly happy.
Anonymous
February 6th, 2022 6:02am
I believe that it is possible to know if you're truly happy by how you feel when others aren't around. This ensures that you aren't putting on a fake persona for those around you, and you can tell whether you're happy and at peace as yourself, even without others cheering you up. Being true to yourself, loving yourself, just as who you are is incredibly important! Sometimes people won't be around to encourage you, and I hope people can learn to be self-sufficient and thrive, even without people surrounding them. The support others give is important! But try to not put on a happy face for them, they care about how you truly are. We can't be happy all the time, but taking steps towards being truly happy with yourself lifts a weight off your shoulders!
when you can show emotional attachment and good vibes with other people's success and well being, when you can plan your future , have friendship with your past, accepting the present and feel contented, when you have enough energy to switch between creative and logical tasks, when presence of logical ranters dont bother you, when you can halt your thinking just to listen to others, when you can show empathy towards others, when you feel emotionally present for someone in need , when you know your mind is ready to do other tasks rather than thinking of passing time in bed
Anonymous
April 2nd, 2022 7:07am
How do we know when we are truly happy? When we are grateful and passionate about life everyday, and when problems only seem like challenges, that we can triumph over. And you will know when you are truly happy is when you feel love for yourself and others, and by just you choosing to put a smile on your face even when things are not going your way. Whether its paying someone a compliment or performing a random act of love kindness, when you're really happy, in fact you appreciate the little things, there is nothing greater than hearing your favorite song come on the radio or being outside and hearing a few birds chirp.
When it feels like there's nothing else you could possibly ask for, it is then that you're truly happy. Happiness satisfaction in self and one's life, and what it has to offer.
If you're productive, you're happy because feeling accomplished comes with a sense of happiness and satisfaction. We need the feeling of being productive to be able to feel hopeful about ourselves and our future.
Loving yourself is happiness. You come first and foremost and you're the only one who is to stay with you forever. Cherish yourself and try to attain satisfaction and accomplishments during your journey so you could reach the hyggelige :]
When you’re truly happy you feel confidence in yourself. You believe without a doubt that you can make it through anything life could throw at you. Your mind is clear and your heart is light. The world seems brightly colored. You have energy and you have the drive to get things done. You feel loved and give love to the people around you. You smile more than you cry, you laugh everyday sometimes more than once. You feel complete and satisfied with yourself and your situation. You try and spread the feeing to others just bc you want to
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