a lot of great questions here.

first of all congratulations for having the fortitude to come up with these questions. you're obviously on the right path already.

the question i like to start with is: what do i value?

for example, I value
1. helping others
2. standing up for a cause
3. friendship

if i can go about my life and do/have those three things I'm a pretty happy guy.

i'm not always happy though. but i know i'm doing what i'm here to do.