I’ve decided to take part in Alex Shalman’s “the happiness project” and answer his questions. The project he’s working on (and which has already featured many great bloggers) is related to what I write about here at Passion-Based Learning.

Alex puts the purpose of “the happiness project” very nicely:

From the most selfish human, to the most selfless saint, the one thing that we share in is the desire to be happy.

I think it’s safe to say that happiness is something we wish to experience as much as possible. This is why I believe it’s important to understand where happiness comes from, what is it, and how can we stimulate more of it.

Great idea! I hope my answers will add a new perspective besides all those that have already been contributed.

Okay, so here we go…

1. How do you define happiness?

Happiness is a state of mind in which we feel at ease with hardly any worries to think about. It is usually triggered through a course of action that leads to satisfaction. This is precisely why it is subjective. The things that satisfy one person don’t necessarily satisfy another.

2. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your happiness now, versus when you were a child?

It’s difficult to compare my happiness level now back to when I was a child but I believe I’m much happier now. Although as a kid, you’re usually naïve and largely unaware of the bad things happening in the world. Eventually of course you open your eyes and begin to see the not-so-nice reality. Still though, I’d say I’m happier now.

3. What do you do on a daily basis that brings you happiness? (and how consistent is the feeling of happiness throughout your day)

Making time to pursue things I’m passionate about and believe in makes me happy. Brain orgasms are wonderful so I get pretty excited every time I learn something new and make a “breakthrough” discovery. Being in the company of family and good friends is obviously a big happiness booster too. And I’d have to say the feeling is pretty consistent unless I allow some negative event to ruin it.

4. What things take away from your happiness? What can be done to lessen their impact or remove them from your life?

Pessimism and over-worrying. I lessen their impact by aiming to stay optimistic and also by worrying constructively.

5. What do you plan on doing in the future that will bring you even more happiness?

Achieving my ultimate goal of becoming a successful social entrepreneur and helping others seeking to achieve the same thing do it too.