Definition of Happiness

When I was first asked what my definition of happiness was I said it was a little more than just being content.  That little something more than just being okay with the way things are.  I used the example of being okay with hamburger help for dinner but being happy if you could go to Red Lobster.  After in class discussions, reading Deep Economy, and writing my reflective essay and summary strong response essay I realized that I this is along the same lines of that more is better type of thinking.   I was saying that more is better.  More money and more stuff doesn’t really make me happy.  I now believe that relationships are what really creates happiness.  Whether it is my family, my friends, my boyfriend, whatever, I am happiest surrounded by people who love me.  I am not happiest at work making money or spending my money.  I usually just feel guilty spending that money anyways.  I also feel guilty when I’m at work all the time rather than spending time with my family.  Switching the focus from work and money to building good relationships eliminates those feelings of guilt which contributes to overall happiness.  Also, we need a sense of belonging to be happiness.  You get that sense of belonging from your friends and family.  Obviously, you don’t get this from your job, unless you are friends with the people you work with and then it isn’t the working that makes you happy it is the relationships you have with your coworkers.  In conclusion, relationships are the true source of happiness.