There is perhaps no concrete definition of happiness because every time I ask people around me – family, friends, work colleagues – about the meaning and the way to happiness what I usually get is an array of answers. But the most common ideas I get are: possessions; love; and fulfillment of dreams (higher education).

Are these ideas same as yours? Let us have them one by one..

Happiness and possessions...

Some would say that possessions is what can make you happy. You material possessions can bring you to places, buy the most expensive stuff, you can have, perhaps, the world! But, can money buy happiness really? If that is so, why is it there were known people in the past who left there possessions in quest for happiness?

Happiness and the fulfillment of higher knowledge

The fulfillment of your dreams does not guarantee happiness. I have read a number of stories of well-known people who once thought they could achieve happiness by fulfilling what they promised themselves of achieving. They achieved highest learning only to realize one thing: the more you know the more complex things can become. The complexity of things can make you more anxious, stressful.

Love and happiness

Love, perhaps, one of the greatest gift you have. But just like the popular song highlights, too much love will kill you. But how much is too much? Some would say that too much love is when you love something, someone, to the point that you are not able to recognize what is right and what is wrong or when you deny to acknowledge limitations just to get what you love – they call it blinded by love. It is a reality that many fall into this trap – the trap of love -in quest for happiness. Indeed, love does not guarantee happiness.

The points above are a key to happiness but there is a magic word that needs to be added: contentment. Whatever possession you have, stand for it, be contented; Whatever level of learning you achieved, stand for it, be contended. Do not go out and look for bigger love – it simply does not exist. Love is unconditional and that's immeasurable. Love others unconditionally and be contended on how they give their love to you in return.

When you are contented, you desire no more than what you have. In contentment lies life satisfaction regardless of what you possess, what and who you love, and what you have achieved. In life satisfaction there is peace. When you are at peace, you will learn how to rightfully value your possessions, your knowledge, and your love. In my own opinion, the way to happiness is contentment.

Kyle has been working online for more than 3 years now. He writes a wide-array of topics: from web development to search engine optimization; self-help to spirituality. The writer recommends www.drgregcynaumon.com/ for more learnings about happiness.