My Personal Definition of Happiness Happiness, to me, is a state of contentment, fulfillment, and inner peace that arises from living in alignment with my values, pursuing meaningful relationships and experiences, and contributing positively to the world around me. It's not merely fleeting moments of joy or selfish pleasure, but rather a deep sense of purpose and connection that permeates my life (Smith, 2020). Influence of Family, Friends, Community, and Society. I grew up in the church. My family has a strong faith background, so my definition of happiness has been shaped by the values instilled in me by my family. Values such as loyalty, honesty, and faithfulness, as well as the support and …show more content…
I tend to deviate from the societal norms and expectations that surround me. For example, my mother passed away when I was fifteen years old. She died in my arms. She suffered from a myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack. The same day she died, my dad left with another woman. My dad also tried to have me sent away to the boy’s home until I turned twenty-one, but instead of going to the boys’ home, my oldest sister took me in and finished raising me. Now that she is disabled, I take care of her. Love and respect are at the core of my family values. I am not sure if that skipped my dad or not, but oh well. That is a story for another time. From a young age, my family emphasized the importance of relationships, personal growth, and service to others as key ingredients for a fulfilling life. My friends have reinforced these values through their own actions and support, showing me the power of genuine connection and empathy. Additionally, my