Community Sparks True Happiness

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what truly lights up my weeks and brings me happiness. For a long time, I felt a quiet need for something deeper, something greater than myself that I couldn’t quite describe. About two years ago, I hit a low point. I felt a lack of purpose, faith, and direction, and I made choices that reflected that. I chased fleeting moments of feeling… anything to fill the void that I so badly didn’t want to face. Thankfully, I’ve since pulled myself out of that place and built a beautiful life where my faith and love for God are at the center. Through this journey, I’ve realized one of the things that was missing back then was community.

This realization came to me yesterday when my best friend and I volunteered at a local farm to help those in need. The energy of everyone working together for a purpose greater than

themselves sparked a happiness I couldn’t explain. It wasn’t just about the act of volunteering…it was connection and the feeling of being part of something bigger.

Second Harvest Farms 🐑

I feel this same sense of belonging when I attend church on Sunday mornings. There’s a warmth in the way everyone stays updated on each other’s lives, offering guidance and sometimes support in ways I’ve never seen before. I’ve also taken a small step toward deeper connection by attending a Bible study group. In the single session I attended, I’ve never felt so much meaning and purpose. As everyone gathered in a circle and spoke about their lives, I noticed how much I related to each person’s struggles. I felt like I’d found a piece of myself I didn’t know was missing.

I always used to think happiness was a solo pursuit, something I’d find through personal practices like journaling, praying, or achieving my goals. While I do feel a lot of happiness in those moments…I now see it’s mostly in togetherness. It’s in the friends, loved ones, and new connections I’ve made through experiences in my life. These moments remind me that happiness isn’t a solo journey, it’s a sense of meaning beyond myself.

For me, the easiest way to find community has been through my religion and church, but there are so many other ways to find your niche. You can join a monthly book club, a girls’ group, or even look up a hobby you love, and chances are, there’s a club or group for it! Whether it’s knitting, hiking, or even reading, finding people who love what you love can spark that sense of belonging, and the best part is you have something to look forward to each week or month. So, take a risk and join that group!! I know it can be scary at first, but it just might change your life, so why not try?

From my heart,

Hanna