1. Running head: VPH-WS3.5 DROPBOX: MOTIVATION, EMOTION, AND HAPPINESS
Happiness: Knowing Thyself
Vanessa P Hebert
Dr. Theresa Veach
Nov 22, 2015
PSY-150
General Psychology
I have read and I understand the plagiarism policy as outlined in the syllabus and the sections in
the Student Catalog relating to the IWU Honesty/Cheating Policy. By affixing this statement to
the title page of my paper, I certify that I have not cheated or plagiarized in the process of
completing this assignment. If found that cheating and/or plagiarism did take place in the
writing of this paper, I understand the possible consequences of the act/s, which could include
expulsion from Indiana Wesleyan University.

2. Running head: VPH- WS3.5: HAPPINESS AND SELF KNOWLEDGE
I have found that self knowledge, being in relationship with Jesus, a healthy lifestyle
incorporated with a common-unity relating to others will lead one to find a sense of total
wellbeing. These factors provided me with the fundamentals of self confidence, faith in a source
outside of myself and a way to live life with structure.
David Myers, listed “act happy” as one of the factors that could help us lead a happier life
(Media 3.8 Resource: Motivation and Emotion). Personally I disagree because I have identified,
accepted and adjusted accordingly too many unexpected hardships. I have smiled with a song in
my heart, in combination with prayer, perseverance and faith. I did not realize that I had become
functionally depressed-overtime.
I believe to begin the journey of happiness one has to have a vision for how he or she
desires to live their life and how they wish to be seen by others.
To be authentic in this process, but more importantly to have a solid foundation for building a
house upon it helps if you have been divinely inspired. Knowing what you have to offer others is
a key element in being resilient on the journey to overcoming unexpected hardships and building
a stable life, because “People seem to gain or lose happiness as a result of the comparisons they
make…” (Nairne, 2014, p. 363). You must know thyself (Melchert, 2011, p. 71).
Our job is to participate in our self actualization process and identify what our needs and
wants are during the varying stages of our development.
I have come to realize that circumstance will not always be ideal and I must learn to be
flexible and use the talent issued- as a good steward, when the opportunity presents itself even
during unconventional means. If you are fortunate enough to get paid for doing your life’s
purpose or the “thing that you are good at” you are closer than most in achieving the pinnacle of
personal and financial success.

3. Running head: VPH- WS3.5: HAPPINESS AND SELF KNOWLEDGE
References
Media 3.8 Resource: Motivation and Emotion. (n.d.).
Melchert, N. (2011). The Great Conversation. New York : Oxford University Press.
Nairne, J. S. (2014). Psychology (6th ed.). CA: Jon-David Hague.