I like the way Tim LeBon begins his article (cited below) – with an homage to how ancient Greek & Roman philosophers practiced stoicism. My legacy take typically is that of a “grin and bear it” type of equanimity (without despair). Not ruled by the passions (hello, Mr. Spock, live long & prosper). A well-lived life of fortitude amid life’s ups & downs, and perseverance through tough times without whining.

… in the words of Epictetus, “sick and yet happy, in peril and yet happy, dying and yet happy, in exile and happy, in disgrace and happy” … – Wiki

But LeBon casts authentic stoicism as more robust. Even Wiki notes that:

So, well-being – beyond a feeling of happiness and a sense of meaning – is more than an end state. It’s something that remains dynamic, something contrary to complacency. It’s an ongoing state of engagement, of paying attention.

A key aspect of well-being is a perspective, a skillset which deals with the ongoing hard times in life without lapsing into despair. A balance.

This Big Think article addresses this ongoing dynamic, and why chasing happiness directly – as if seeking a magic fountain of joy – can be counterproductive.