Happiness is not something we wait for or chase—it’s something we cultivate. In her book Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected, Kelle Hampton shares how she learned this truth after the birth of her daughter, Nella, who was born with Down syndrome. Initially, Kelle thought her happiness would always depend on external circumstances—money, possessions, or achieving her expectations.
But through her journey, she understood that happiness is an internal practice shaped by our choices and habits. She reminds us that while external things may bring us moments of joy, they cannot sustain it. True happiness is rooted in how we respond to life’s challenges and blessings.
This raises the question: Can I connect with and live from my center of wholeness no matter what happens?
Our teaching in Science of Mind affirms that:
- Life is unpredictable.
- People will disappoint us.
- The unexpected and undesired will happen.
Yet within each of us is a persistent, unchanging center of calm, compassion, and creativity. Our practice is to remain rooted in that awareness so that, even in the face of difficulty, we stay anchored to the source of peace and wisdom.
Overcoming the Blocks to Joy
One block to happiness is attaching it to external circumstances. Another, as Kelle shares, is comparison. When we compare ourselves to others, our happiness often “takes a shot in the back.”
Comparison invites negative self-talk, which can steal joy and diminish our sense of worth. What we say to ourselves matters. Learning to reframe our inner language is essential—not to deny our feelings or reality but to speak to ourselves in authentic, empowering, and kind ways.
This shift allows us to show up more fully for ourselves and the world.
Another insight from Kelle is that happiness often arises in the most unlikely places. For example, as an 18-year-old camp counselor at a pediatric cancer camp, she expected to be overwhelmed with sadness. Instead, she found courage, honesty, and joy among the children, which shifted her perspective on life.
These unexpected moments remind us that happiness, connection, and meaning can emerge even under challenging circumstances. When we trust in a Creative Power greater than ourselves, we can become instruments of peace and joy, planting seeds of hope in the world around us.
Practicing Presence
Happiness is not just about finding joy—it’s about being present for life as it is. A distracted, chaotic life robs us of connection and the ability to appreciate the beauty around us.
Rachel Macy Stafford’s story beautifully illustrates this. She lived a highly distracted life for years, consumed by to-do lists and constant busyness. She stopped noticing the small things, like starfish on the beach, that once brought her joy.
One day, Rachel rediscovered a stranded starfish and saved it, whispering the word “breathe” as she returned it to the water. In that moment, she realized she wasn’t just speaking to the starfish—she was talking to herself. She made a vow to let go of distraction and to live a life rooted in presence, connection, and gratitude.
Her “Vow to Breathe” inspires us to examine our own lives:
- Are we too busy to notice life’s beauty?
- Are we so consumed by distractions that we forget to live fully?
Reflection and Intention
As the year draws to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect:
- What can I do less of to make space for joy and meaning?
- What can I do more of to bring greater connection and gratitude into my life?
Happiness is not about chasing something in the future; it’s about practicing presence and cultivating joy in the here and now. When we do this, we become more available to the beauty and richness of life, and we open ourselves to the possibilities Spirit is offering us.
And so I invite you: Rise up and engage with life. Practice gratitude. Trust in the creative power within you. As we move toward a new year, what vows will you make to nurture joy and connection in your life?
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Know with me that there is only one creative Power active in creation: The Living Spirit. This One is in and through all that is. It is the First Cause of all that is seen and unseen, forever creating from itself, and I am part of its creative process.
Through my freedom, creativity, choice, and vision, I contribute to the direction that creation flows. As a steward of the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa, I open my consciousness to the flow of the One Creative Principle through me. Its infinite wisdom guides me, and its dynamic love inspires me.
I remind myself that the work of our Center—an idea born in the mind of the Creative One—has already touched thousands of lives. The teaching, support, and ministries of our community ripple out into the world, changing more lives for the good. I accept for our Center a new wave of enthusiasm, engagement, and growth. I affirm that we are attracting the right people to join with our vision, creating a spiritual home for all who seek it.
This affirmation functions like a magnetic field, drawing together our established community and those seeking a spiritual home. I trust that the consciousness I cultivate is in harmony with their longing for connection, and together we co-create a vision of inclusion, compassion, and spiritual growth.
I trust the intuitive guidance of the Creative Mind as I make decisions. I trust the vision that leads me with every step. I trust the Creative Process, knowing it is flowing through these words into form. And so it is.
.HEIC)
