I write this missive with a heavy heart and mind.

Many of you know that we craft our consciously prepared weekly podcast from the beaches of Malibu, California. We don’t live in the center of the ‘Bu anymore but much of my daily life is lived in this small but mighty city. Our home and neighborhood a few miles north was spared but we watched in horror from the beach as Mother Nature roared with her fire and fury.

Our community has been devastated by the fires that burned many of our friends’ and neighbors’ homes. My children, now both in college, are graduates of Malibu High School. The substance abuse recovery treatment centers I consult to are all located in the mountains or at the beach in Malibu. Some have closed. Some have burned. Some are slowly reopening.

Life is never static and change is the only guarantee.

And here’s another hard reality bite—The Borderline Bar senseless mass shootings took place just a few miles from our home. Needless to say, this area has been traumatized and worn out by life recently.

But with all things, there is a silver lining — we fall, we get back up.

We see that community does really care and does rally to support one another. Love is the secret sauce that binds.

I was home recovering from surgery under doctor’s orders to rest, heal, and recover when these tragedies occurred. But this was too much to bear sitting still. Off to work I went supporting evacuated clients stabilize and ground after fresh trauma was layered onto old wounds. Being of use, being in gratitude for the opportunity to serve, and being able to show up in a time of serious need made me happy amidst the horrors we’ve witnessed.

So there you have it—I’m a consumer of my own counsel and it made all the difference in those dark and scary moments. Much of my time is spent as a professional “hope-holder” for people who are undergoing and enduring challenges in their lives. I guess I find happiness in the dark.

Thomas Moore wrote, “Every human life is made up of the light and the dark, the happy and the sad, the vital and the deadening. How you think about this rhythm of moods makes all the difference.”

Learning to love and appreciate the rhythm of life has been a personal game-changer. Life does not always dance to the melody of our own music. Thankfully, everything is temporary and change is the only guarantee.

I find a lot of peace in this awareness.

Thank you, Universe, for that valuable, and not always happy, lesson.

So, as we swing into Thanksgiving and full holiday spirit take a minute or two to express appreciative thankfulness for all the goodness in your life and then extend that gratitude to life’s greatest teachers — adversity, challenge, and resilience.

Thank you for the opportunity to continue to learn, share and grow with you.

Stay safe and grateful…gobble…gobble…

-Lisa

Happiness doesn’t have to be a fleeting emotion. Learn how to handle emotional fluctuations and increase your resiliency through film, music, storytelling, and movement: Lisa Cypers Kamen hosts Harvesting Happiness at the Art of Living Retreat Center from May 17th-19th.

Lisa Cypers Kamen is a lifestyle management consultant who explores the art and science of happiness in her work as a speaker, author, and happiness expert. Through her globally syndicated podcast, books, media appearances, and documentary film, Kamen has impaced millions of people around the world. Learn more at HarvestingHappiness.com. 

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