How would you define happiness?

I am a firm believer that if something doesn't make you happy, then you shouldn't do it.

Well apparently that is a pleasure seeker's notion...

Now I have a question, how do you define happiness?

Does it mean pleasure? Sure it does, pleasurable activities make us happy.

Does religion make us happy? Sure it does, you can set your mind at ease, there is something bigger than you in this universe and it helps soothe our fears. It's also a way to be part of a community that share similar values and ideals to you. The people that you see at the place you worship are people that you can relate to on some level. Knowing that you are not alone does make you happy.

Now, here is another question; would an easy life make you happy?
I don't know the answer to that, but I do think the following.
An easy life does not always mean you are happy. If everything always worked out the way we wanted it to every single day, life would be like a roller coaster that only goes up.
Where is the challenge and the ability to reach our potential? Lack of challenges will make us...Miserable.

Now, here's another thing. If I define happiness as a way of life and that certain actions will lead to happiness (basic idea from Greek philosophy and virtue ethics) It does not mean that everything I do will make me happy instantly. Another example, I hate going to the gym. The time I spend running on a treadmill is torture. It does not make me happy at that instant. Thankfully my body releases endorphins and I feel great afterwards. (It also has this awesome effect on my appearance and that boosts my confidence which makes me even happier)

Now that previous paragraph seems to contradict my opening statement and firm belief. Well maybe not... I didn't give a time limit, and I did not refer to a shallow version of happiness.

Happiness cannot always be derived from instant gratification. If we always succumb to what we want now, there is a great possibility that we will miss out on something more wonderful later on. (Patience grasshopper)

I don't understand one thing though. Why would you be stuck in a job that makes you miserable if you have the option to change it? Why would you want to be miserable if you can change any of your circumstances? To be a martyr? Surely not. Are you going to waste this ONE life that you have on things that make you so hollow and miserable... Let me tell you, if you are, I think you are wasting your life away. If you only had one day left on this planet, would you spend that day doing all the things that make you feel wretched?

I am not saying that you should be irresponsible and there are some things that we all need to do that aren't going to make us happy all the time, but I feel that we have become so rooted in one place that we forget that maybe life has more to it than doing what we have to. There are people out there who discover their talents and potential and that makes them happy. I want to be like that, I want to be so happy that people around me become happy.


http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness

Oh and I know this is probably ridiculous, but the seen and heard section gives you a good idea what happiness means to others. (Thanks to the person who made me want to write this. Your view of how I define happiness gave me an insight to the human psyche)