| It seems like a simple question, but you might be | | | | the possessions they obtain or the accomplishments |
| surprised how hard is for some people to answer. | | | | they achieve. This group is generally made up of |
| Sure, everyone is familiar with the word and has some | | | | content, balanced people who tend to also see others |
| grasp on the concept of happiness. Everyone wants it | | | | as who they are rather than their possessions or job |
| and sees it as a good thing, but when it comes to | | | | title. |
| pinpointing what exactly it means to them, most folks | | | | The third group of people defines happiness as |
| don't have a quick answer. Part of the problem is that | | | | acceptance and fitting in. This group finds contentment |
| while most everyone strives to achieve this emotional | | | | in accepting where and what they are in life and sees |
| state, most people haven't really taken the time to think | | | | no need to go against the grain or make significant |
| about what it means or how to get there. | | | | changes in their life or situation. |
| Another part of the problem is that even after | | | | Each of these groups is comprised of people who find |
| someone figures out their personal definition of joy, | | | | radiance in different ways and who go about |
| that doesn't necessarily mean that their partner has | | | | achieving good emotional state and living life |
| the same definition. It might be the case with you and | | | | accordingly. Whichever your style is, ultimately the only |
| your partner. Fortunately, you and your partner don't | | | | definitions of happiness that matter in your life and in |
| have to have matching definitions in order to achieve | | | | your marriage are the definitions held by you and your |
| these feelings as a couple. | | | | partner. |
| The first step to achieving radiance - as an individual or | | | | Even if you and your partner have different definitions |
| as a couple - is to determine what it is means to you. | | | | of feelings and divergent views on how to best |
| There are as many ways to define happiness as | | | | achieve happiness, you can still find joy both as |
| there are people in the world, but most folks fall into | | | | individuals and as a couple. The key is determining the |
| one of three general categories according to | | | | definition that each of you has and then allowing each |
| personality traits and personal characteristics. | | | | of your feelings styles to flourish. All individuals and |
| The first group defines joy and radiance through | | | | couples want and deserve to be happy. By |
| external means, such as personal accomplishments | | | | understanding what spirit means to you and what it |
| and professional achievements. Folks in this external | | | | means to your partner, the two of you can work |
| group find the greatest joy in moving up the corporate | | | | together to find areas where your definitions intersect |
| ladder, buying a yacht or obtaining other external | | | | and ways to ensure balance and respect of each |
| goals.To be happy is found through the external | | | | other's cheerful style. |
| environment, for example the possessions they own, | | | | Simply by determining and understanding your style, |
| the degrees they earn or the goals they accomplish. | | | | and that of your partner, you are well on your way to |
| The second group defines joy internally finding | | | | finding lifelong happiness together. |
| contentment in who they are as individuals, rather than | | | | |