Today: November 9, 2024
Today where the world often preaches so much on achievements and success, Dr. Sara Spowart, PhD, LMFT, found that happiness can only come from giving and showing care for others. Since becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist, Dr. Spowart has spent most of her years studying the complexities surrounding emotional well-being, human connection, and the connections associated with a fulfilling life. She draws from both scientific research and her personal experience, emphasizing an important truth that is often overlooked: giving and caring can uplift our spirits, leading to greater happiness and fulfillment.
Compassion-Based Happiness, founded by Dr. Spowart, provides clients with a structure through which compassion can emerge organically in everyday life. Sara believes that true happiness finds fertile ground only when it is based on caring for others. Dr. Spowart was curious about how relationships affect mental health. She noticed a common pattern among her clients—the happiest ones were those who often did kind things, not just for their loved ones but also for their communities. Her findings are part of growing research showing that acts of kindness not only help the person receiving them but also have a positive effect on the person giving them.
Being human means we need to connect with others. One of the best ways to build strong connections is by giving and caring. Helping others makes them feel included and gives us a sense of purpose. When we do something kind, our brain releases a chemical called oxytocin that helps us feel close to others and lowers stress. Simple acts like saying something nice, volunteering, or offering support can make a big difference. Every small act of kindness helps both the person who gives and the one who receives feel better.
In this regard, Dr. Spowart states that this doesn’t apply only to the good feelings of giving; actually, being consistently kind has a good impact on one’s physical health. Scientists show that those who practice kindness quite frequently have low blood pressure, healthy hearts, and, as a result, long lives. As Dr. Spowart points out, this is what she observes among her clients: usually, those who follow the ways of kindness feel happier and healthier overall.
Dr. Spowart also points out that giving is not a one-way street. While offering care and compassion is important, it’s equally important to be open to receiving them. This balance allows individuals to build stronger, more reciprocal relationships, a key component of emotional resilience. She encourages individuals to view giving and receiving as a cycle that nurtures both personal and collective well-being.
In her work with clients, Dr. Spowart instills generosity and care habits. She believes the secret to a happier, more fulfilling life is to take attention away from the self and place it on the needs of others. This kind of exercise taps into a sense of meaning and joy that is sustainable and far-reaching. Compassion-based therapy empowers you to create the life you envision while building strength and resilience to overcome any challenge.
Dr. Spowart’s approach is not about grand gestures or monumental acts of charity but about everyday moments of care and attention. When repeated over time, these moments create a foundation for long-lasting happiness. Her message is clear: when we give, we receive, and in that exchange, we unlock a level of well-being that cannot be achieved through self-focus alone. Through her work, Dr. Spowart inspires others to embrace the power of giving and caring, offering a pathway to true, lasting happiness.
kamariya Weston is a marketing professional and freelance writer based in London. She has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Westminster and has worked in the marketing industry for over seven years. kamariya westons writing has been published in various online publications, covering topics such as social media marketing, content marketing, and digital advertising. In her free time, kamariya weston enjoys traveling, cooking, and practicing photography.