01 Foundations of Happiness
A Teen's Guide to Understanding What Really Makes Us Feel Good Inside
😊 What Is Happiness?
Happiness isn't just about being in a good mood or having fun. It's a mix of:
- Positive emotions – Feeling good, enjoying life
- Engagement – Being deeply involved in what you do
- Relationships – Having supportive and loving people around
- Meaning – Feeling like your life has a purpose
- Accomplishments – Reaching goals and growing from the experience
This comes from the PERMA model by psychologist Martin Seligman.
💡 Real happiness = not just pleasure, but a life full of meaning and connection!
🧠 What Makes Us Happy?
According to science, happiness is shaped by three things:
- 🧬 50% Genetics – Some people are naturally more upbeat
- 🌍 10% Life circumstances – Where you live, how much money you have, etc.
- 🌟 40% Our actions and mindset – What we do matters most!
Things you can do to feel happier:
- Show kindness
- Practice gratitude
- Set meaningful goals
- Spend time with friends or pets
- Get involved in something bigger than yourself
🔄 Is Happiness Forever?
Nope, and that's totally normal.
- Happiness goes up and down — that's part of being human!
- Your brain releases "feel good" chemicals like dopamine and serotonin during happy moments.
- Every culture experiences happiness differently — some value peace and harmony, others value individual joy.
🎢 What's the Difference Between Pleasure, Joy, and Fulfillment?
| Type | Feels Like... | Lasts How Long? | Comes From... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pleasure | Tasty snacks, warm blankets 🧁 | Short-term | Senses, comfort, external things |
| Joy | Laughing with friends 💬 | Medium | Connection, values, meaningful acts |
| Fulfillment | Deep satisfaction 🌱 | Long-term | Purpose, growth, helping others |
🌈 A happy life includes all three — not just one.
📚 Want to Go Deeper?
Curious teens might enjoy:
- Flourish by Martin Seligman
- The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky
- The Broaden-and-Build Theory by Barbara Fredrickson