Happiness is not found – it is built.

The Meaning of Life: Not Just Felt, but Lived

I. INTRODUCTION: THE TREASURE SOUGHT – HAPPINESS

What is happiness?

For thousands of years, people have asked this question. Some find it in family, some search for it through wealth, others turn to religion, and some withdraw into themselves. But the question remains: what is happiness and how is it achieved?

In this article, we will explore happiness from the perspective of positive psychology — a psychological approach that focuses not on illness and trauma, but on potential and well-being.

II. WHAT IS POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY?

Positive psychology is the field of psychology focused on strengths, well-being, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose.

• Founded by Martin Seligman in 1998.

• Key questions:

  • How can a person grow?

  • How is inner potential revealed?

  • How is a fulfilling life built?

III. WHAT IS HAPPINESS?

Happiness is measured by emotional state, how one values their life, satisfaction from daily experiences, and the presence of inner balance.

Two main paths:

• Hedonic happiness – pleasure, fun, positive feelings

• Eudaimonic happiness – purposeful living, deep sense of meaning

IV. IF YOU ARE HAPPY…

• You are not just calm – you shine from within

• Your smile is not forced – it comes naturally

• You live without harming others

• You can enjoy small things

• You feel the meaning of life

V. WHAT DOES SCIENCE SAY ABOUT HAPPINESS?

According to Sonja Lyubomirsky’s model, happiness consists of:

• 50% – genetics

• 10% – life circumstances (money, status, climate)

• 40% – daily habits and mindset

So happiness is more a mental choice than a natural given.

VI. FACTORS THAT DETERMINE HAPPINESS

1. Gratitude – Activates the brain's reward system when practiced daily.

2. Purposeful life – Waking up for a goal brings happiness.

3. Close relationships – Social bonds increase satisfaction.

4. Flow state – Deep immersion in an activity: music, writing, creativity.

5. Positive emotions – Experiencing small joys every day.

VII. HAPPINESS AND MONEY: IS THERE A CONNECTION?

Yes, but only to a certain point.

Research shows:

• Once basic needs are met, more income does not significantly increase happiness.

• After $80,000 annual income, the difference plateaus.

Money provides comfort, not internal satisfaction.

VIII. HAPPINESS AND TIME USAGE

People sacrifice the present for future happiness. But:

• The past cannot be changed

• The future plans distract from the present

Solution:

• Be present in the moment

• Practice mindfulness

• Create daily joy sources

IX. CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN DEFINING HAPPINESS

Each culture defines happiness through its own lens.

X. HAPPINESS AND HEALTH CONNECTION

Happy people:

• Get sick less often

• Have stronger immunity

• Live longer

The 75-year Harvard Happiness Study showed:

• Good relationships are the strongest indicator of health and happiness.

XI. CAN HAPPINESS BE LEARNED?

Yes!

Psychological exercises:

• Daily gratitude journal

• Writing 3 good things a day

• Doing a kind act weekly

• Starting the day with a positive intention

• Building conscious social bonds

XII. NOT JUST TREATING ILLNESS, BUT STRENGTHENING HEALTH

Positive psychology says:

• Psychology is not just for fixing problems,

• It is also for activating potential.

The message is not "just be okay" but "live better and fuller."

XIII. THE HAPPINESS TRAP: FORCED POSITIVITY

Sometimes positivity can be harmful:

• Forcing smiles

• Denying inner pain

• Avoiding uncertainty and depth

True happiness: accepting feelings + giving them direction.

XIV. HAPPINESS TEST: WHAT’S YOUR SCORE?

Rate each from 0–5:

• Waking up brings me joy

• I enjoy small daily things

• I feel in control of my life

• My close relationships nourish me

• I do meaningful work

Results:

• 25 points – maximum happiness

• 20+ – balanced

• 10–20 – growth potential

• 0–10 – possible inner unrest

XV. CONCLUSION: HAPPINESS IS NOT GIVEN – IT IS CREATED

Happiness is neither ready-made nor delivered from outside. It is born from attitude, awareness, and attention.

Positive psychology defines happiness as:

“Happiness is not a fleeting feeling, but a sustainable life habit.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

• What does happiness mean to you?

• What makes your day joyful?

• What could you change to move toward happiness?