Happiness in my life has consisted of many shapes and forms. Happiness to me consists of family, friends, pets, objects, experiences, and places. The experience of family and friends can create positive surroundings knowing that you are safe to be who you are. In the event of a special day like a birthday or holiday, it can result in a positive and happy experience. This last Christmas before the new year of 2020, my older brother came home from the army. My family was filled with joy to see him safe and back home with everyone. This was a happy moment knowing that the day/night was filled with smiles and laughter putting my grandparent’s house in a state of positive energy. When it comes to training in the PoleVault, just knowing that each time I am on the runway I get the feeling like nothing else matters but what’s in front of me. Running fluently like I’m weightless and jumping like I’m flying leaves me feeling happy. Win or lose I know I’m giving my very best leaving me to come off the matt and field with a smile and positive energy toward myself and others.
The experience of happiness was explained to have a positive mindset. In the book “A Primer in Positive Psychology” by Christopher Peterson tells a short story about certain moments that are about faking happiness will help you get through the day with ease. For example, one who shows up to the DMV with a smile on your face and good enthusiasm will most likely be helped with ease creating a better experience for yourself and the other person who you interact with (Finley, 2020). Another experience from chapter 2 explains what it means to be happy in different ways, one of those ways is explained by time. Peterson (2006) states that “we all have a gift to give that is infinitely precious and non-renewable. That gift is our own time.” Time spent with someone is precious to them, for example, spending time with grandparents is the best gift they could ask for. At the same time their happiness will build upon your own happiness
In a class activity, we were to go out and ask a variety of people a question, “What does happiness mean to you.” to my surprise the question always left the person to stop and really think about it. It has come to my conclusion that if a person has to stop and think about it to find an answer then they are not happy all of the time. What if we changed the setting to a Christmas party or an exciting event and asked the same question… What does happiness mean to you?” I’m sure the responses would be much more detailed and at a faster response due to the event that is currently making the person happy. A few responses consisted of; being with who you are and what you have in life no matter what the situation is, to not worry about the little things and being with family and friends is the ultimate response of happiness in the folks that were asked. So the question to you is, what makes you happy
A Gift to Give 