I didn't really know what to expect going into this miniature project, but the outcome was something that altered my perception on how I view different age groups as a whole.
When we think of 'being happy', the definition that comes to mind is normally a mixture of smiles, laughs, and satisfaction. Often, we don't realize how many different angles there are to view something as broad, and truly personal, as the concept of happiness is.
I asked 15 friends, family and random members of my community what happiness means to them, and it'll be sure to put a smile on your face.
1. Food. Always.
"When my mom packs me a lot of lunch for school. I like food and I like to share my cookies and goldfish with friends." (age 5)
2. Doggos and popcorn
"One time my teacher brought her dog into class. We didn't have to do math, we just pet the dog and ate popcorn." (age 7)
3. Helping others
"I feel the most happy when I do something to make someone else happy." (age 14)
4. People you love
"Being around people you love, like friends and family, because they know how to make you smile." (age 16)
5. Positivity
"Being able to learn through experiences that affect you and others in only a positive way. When I make people around me happy, I feel like I'm doing something right." (age 19)
6. All the good boys
"Seeing dogs on campus. I know I'm not the only one that forgets everything negative in life when I'm petting a good boy or good girl." (age 21)
7. Helping others x2
"Doing good. I realized in undergrad, it made me feel better when I was helping others than acing a test." (age 24)
8. Music makes the world go round
"Dancing, singing and laughing. It's really hard to stay in a funk when you're singing your favorite songs." (age 28)
9. Family
"Being with my family. I have a one-year-old baby girl at home, and my heart seems to grow 10 sizes each time I see her. Even if I'm only gone a few hours." (age 32)
10. Relaxing
"Sitting by the fire after a day at work, looking at photo albums, with my dog on my lap and wife by my side." (age 39)
11. The good life
"Loving my work and home life. I have a job that makes me get up easily in the morning, and a family that makes me so eager to come home. Not that my life is perfect, but I try to treasure the good overall rather than the bad moments in between." (age 43)
12. The precious offspring
"Watching my kids grow up and find things they love along the way. One just got into college... Harvard actually. Wow, he showed up his mom and I. I'm so proud of both of them, always." (age 49)
13. The world is your oyster
"Eating. Sleeping. Exercising. Seeing friends and family. Smiling at strangers. Trying new things, even at my age. The world is so limitless, it's beautiful." (age 60)
14. #blessed
"Knowing I'm blessed to live in a place where my life is full of choices. Many people don't have that option, and I do my best to speak for those who aren't as lucky. We're all put here for a reason, and I'm determined to make the most out of however many years I have." (age 65)
15. The feeling of love
"Falling in love. Not necessarily with a person even, but with anything that brings your heart joy. For me, it's reading. For my husband, it's fishing. He lights up like a Christmas tree after a day on the lake." (age 70)
