Well•come, kin. Pause, and take a deep, calming breath with me. In… and out… As you breathe, remind yourself of your innate wisdom and wholeness. With each breath—be here. Fully present, as we embark on this journey together.

LaShaun Certified behavior analyst, founding former Director of The University of South Florida’s (USF) Wellness Resource Center, Founder of GLOW Women’s Gathering with credentials in Neuroscience for Business from MIT Sloan.

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My soul experiences happiness as a state of inner peace and fulfillment transcending material or external circumstances. It’s often associated with a sense of purpose, connection to something greater than oneself, and alignment with your true self.
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Gratitude, compassion, and love are my personal markers for achieving lasting happiness.

All sorts of little sparks get my happiness fired up:

• A shea butter anointing.
• Listening to my parents chat. They are the bestest of friends.
• Seeing my children amaze themselves
• ​Joy rememoring…​
• A moody playlist.
• 20-second hugs, 6-second kiss-innggg
• Holding hands with a romantic partner
• Sunrises. Sunsets.
• A cool business framework.
• Happy dancing. Happy tears. Happy endings.
• A good breathwork out
• An existential conversation over warm drinks with a friend.
• Organized space

oh yeah,
a confession—an Amazon box waiting at the door (I’m actively deprogramming myself. It’s taking more time than I thought, (@-_-@))
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I could list 111 happy-happies. What about you?
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Even though we know the subjective experience of happiness The general definition of happiness can be a complex endeavor to summarize as a combination of neurological, biological, and psychological factors influences it.

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Neuroscientific Definition of Happiness

In neuroscience, happiness is often linked to the brain’s pleasure circuits and the balance of positive affect. It involves the functional neuroanatomy of pleasure, which is central to our sense of well-being. Neuroscientists study the brain states associated with happiness to understand how the brain produces this emotion in daily life. The focus is on the hedonic (pleasure) and eudaimonic (meaning) aspects of happiness, which are thought to cohere in happy individuals.
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Biological Definition of Happiness

Biologically, happiness is associated with the release of certain neurotransmitters and hormones, such as dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins (DOSE), which contribute to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. These chemicals play a crucial role in the brain’s reward system, influencing mood and overall well-being.
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​GET A DOSE of happy chemicals​

Psychological Definition of Happiness

Psychologically, happiness is frequently equated with subjective well-being, which encompasses life satisfaction, the presence of positive emotions, and the absence of negative emotions. Positive psychology distinguishes between hedonic happiness, which focuses on pleasure and the avoidance of pain, and eudaimonic happiness, which is derived from pursuing meaningful goals and personal growth. Happiness is considered both a temporary state and a more stable trait influenced by various factors, including genetics, social relationships, and life circumstances.
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This leads us to the four happiness archetypes, take this little quiz:
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Based on the table provided, here are the strengths and weaknesses of each happiness archetype:

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​PLEASURE SEEKER

Strengths:

• Enjoyment of Life: Pleasure Seekers are skilled at finding joy and pleasure in the present moment, which can lead to a vibrant and lively experience of life.
• Flexibility: They are often adaptable and open to new experiences, which can enhance their sense of adventure and spontaneity.

Weaknesses:

• Lack of Long-term Fulfillment: Focusing solely on immediate pleasure can lead to neglect of long-term goals and responsibilities, resulting in a lack of deeper fulfillment.
• Potential for Negative Consequences: Overindulgence in short-term pleasures can lead to harmful habits or consequences if not balanced with future planning.

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​SUCCESS SEEKER

Strengths:

• Goal-Oriented: Success Seekers are highly motivated and driven to achieve their future goals, which can lead to significant accomplishments and success.
• Discipline: Their ability to delay gratification and work hard can be a strong asset in achieving long-term objectives.

Weaknesses:

• Sacrifice of Present Enjoyment: By focusing too much on future achievements, they may miss out on the joys of the present, leading to potential burnout or dissatisfaction.
• Imbalance: The relentless pursuit of future success can create stress and anxiety, diminishing overall well-being if not balanced with present happiness.

MEANING SEEKER

Strengths:

• Realism: Meaning Seekers may have a clear-eyed view of life’s challenges and limitations, which can sometimes lead to a grounded perspective.
• Detachment: Their lack of attachment to outcomes can sometimes protect them from disappointment.

Weaknesses:

• Lack of Motivation: Feeling disconnected and purposeless can lead to a lack of motivation and direction, resulting in a generally pessimistic outlook.
• Emotional Disconnection: The absence of hope for happiness can lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of fulfillment in life.

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​FULFILLMENT SEEKER

Strengths:

• Balance: Fulfillment Seekers achieve a harmonious balance between enjoying the present and planning for the future, leading to sustained happiness and fulfillment.
• Resilience: Their ability to derive pleasure from the present while working towards future goals enhances their resilience and overall well-being.

Weaknesses:

• Potential for Complacency: While generally well-balanced, there is a risk of becoming complacent if they do not continue to challenge themselves or set new goals.
• Misjudgment of Balance: Striking the right balance can be challenging, and misjudgments can lead to temporary imbalances in their approach to happiness.

These strengths and weaknesses illustrate the diverse approaches to happiness and the importance of balancing immediate pleasures with long-term aspirations for a fulfilling life.
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The strengths of each happiness archetype contribute to overall well-being in distinct ways, enhancing different aspects of life satisfaction and personal fulfillment. Here’s how each archetype’s strengths play a role:

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​PLEASURE SEEKER

Contribution to Well-being

• Enjoyment of Life: The Pleasure seeker’s ability to find joy and pleasure in the present moment enhances their overall life satisfaction by ensuring that they experience happiness regularly. This focus on immediate enjoyment can lead to a vibrant and lively lifestyle, which can boost mood and reduce stress.
• Flexibility: By being open to new experiences, Hedonists can adapt to changing circumstances and embrace opportunities for fun and adventure. This adaptability can lead to a richer and more varied life experience, contributing positively to their well-being.

SUCCESS SEEKER

Contribution to Well-being:

• Goal-Oriented: The Success Seeker’s focus on achieving future goals provides a sense of purpose and direction, which is a critical component of well-being. Accomplishing goals can lead to feelings of competence and success, fostering self-esteem and personal growth.
• Discipline: The discipline and work ethic of Success Seeker can lead to significant achievements and the realization of long-term aspirations. This can provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, enhancing their overall sense of well-being.

MEANING SEEKER

Contribution to Well-being:

• Realism: While generally seen as a weakness, the Meaning Seeker’s realistic perspective can sometimes contribute to well-being by allowing them to approach life with a clear-eyed view of its challenges. This can help them manage expectations and avoid unnecessary disappointment.
• Detachment: Their detachment from outcomes can protect them from the emotional turmoil associated with failure or unmet expectations, potentially leading to a more stable emotional state.

FULFILLMENT SEEKER

Contribution to Well-being:

• Balance: The Fulfillment Seeker’s ability to balance present enjoyment with future planning leads to sustained happiness and fulfillment. This balance ensures that they experience joy in the present while also working towards meaningful long-term goals, enhancing overall well-being.
• Resilience: Their resilience, derived from enjoying the present and planning for the future, helps them navigate life’s challenges with a positive outlook. This resilience contributes to a strong sense of well-being and the ability to recover from setbacks.

Each archetype’s strengths offer unique contributions to well-being, highlighting the importance of integrating various approaches to achieve a fulfilling and balanced life.

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Here are more ways I can support you.

• Feedback, love notes, and other inquiries? Just hit reply
• Want me to give a talk at your event or with your team? Workshops, consulting + speaking inquiries, apply here.​
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