The most important element of happiness

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The Most Important Element of Happiness
Happiness is characterized by a state of well-being and contentment. It goes beyond positive mood and encompasses living a good life. The most important element of happiness, therefore, is self-actualization. This entails the desire for self-fulfillment and realization of one’s full potential.
It is a result of understanding your potential and strength to work towards achieving it. This brings ultimate contentment and in some cases, intense joy. It gives life a sense of meaning to an individual, and they seem to enjoy what they engage in. It hence defines their happiness as a part of their life. According to Maslow, “Self-actualizing people enjoy life in general and practically all its aspects, while most other people enjoy only stray moments of triumph…” (Maslow, 36-38)
Self-actualized individuals are geared towards positive thinking in life, have a sense of direction and acceptance of who they really are. They, therefore, enjoy a good happy life even when the circumstances are not favorable. By virtue of knowing who you really are in life and your passion, which is being true to oneself, makes you happy always. These individuals are not self-centered. This makes them be kind and compassionate to others in the society enhancing human connections and social support which bring about happiness (Franklin, Samuel S, 20-25).
There exist other elements that are considered part of happiness.

However, they tend to associate happiness to a specific discourse of things and actions. Some of these include love, joy, good relationships, humor, honesty, gratitude among others. Wealth and money do not necessarily bring happiness to one’s life. The more one acquires, the desire grows more. The positive emotion hence tends to be short-lived. These elements tend to limit one in enjoying happiness within those boundaries. Self-actualization can incorporate most of these elements as part of one’s journey to discover their potential (Chittister, Joan, 90-98).
In realizing self-actualization, one becomes contented with themselves and what they have. They live their lives satisfactorily as they perceive reality accurately. They are able to meet most of their needs in life. One develops a sense of wonder, awe, and gratitude about life. Consequently, contentment and fulfillment are key triggers to happiness. This, therefore, makes self-actualization the most important element of happiness.
Work Cited
Chittister, Joan. Happiness. 1st ed., Grand Rapids, Mich., W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., (2011):90- 98. Print.
Franklin, Samuel S. The Psychology Of Happiness. 1st ed., New York, NY, Cambridge University Press, (2010):20-25. Print.
Maslow, A.H. Towards A Psychology Of Being. 3rd ed., New York, NY, John Wiley Pub., (1999):36-38. Print.