The Power of Hope & Community in Creating a Happier World
Last year, as we deepened our work in The Science of Happiness, highlighting the importance of hope and community for long-term happiness, we felt a growing sense of alignment with our purpose—not just dreaming of a happier world, but actively creating it, starting today. That’s when we came across WOHASU (The World Happiness Summit) and were instantly inspired.
WOHASU is a global event for positive psychology and well-being, bringing together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners who believe that happiness is a practice, not a destination. This year’s theme—Hope & Community—resonates deeply with our mission at HappierMe.Today, where we explore science-backed tools and mindful shifts that foster well-being in everyday life.
But why are hope and community at the heart of long-term happiness? Research in The Science of Happiness shows that cultivating hope enhances resilience, emotional stability, and adaptability—all essential for navigating life’s challenges. At the same time, strong social connections provide the emotional support and shared purpose needed for personal and collective well-being.
Let’s explore how hope and community work together to create lasting happiness—and how you can cultivate both in your daily life.
The Science of Hope: Why It’s Essential for Lasting Happiness & Stronger Communities
Hope is often misunderstood as passive optimism or wishful thinking. In reality, hope is an active, science-backed mindset that helps individuals and communities thrive. According to research in positive psychology, hope is a combination of:
✔ Willpower – The belief that you can shape your future and take action to create change.
✔ Waypower – The ability to find multiple ways to reach a goal, even in the face of obstacles.
Related Insight: Research from The Science of Happiness: How Small Changes Create Big Impact highlights how small, intentional shifts in mindset and daily habits can significantly increase hope and long-term well-being.
How Hope & Community Work Together to Strengthen Happiness
🔹 Hope increases resilience and problem-solving – Hopeful individuals and groups focus on possibilities rather than limitations, making them more adaptable in times of crisis.
🔹 Hope fosters emotional stability – Studies show that hopeful people have lower stress levels and greater emotional regulation, making them less susceptible to anxiety and depression.
🔹 Communities sustain hope – Strong social networks reinforce optimism and provide support, making it easier for individuals to maintain a hopeful outlook.
🔹 Hope fuels collective action – When communities share a vision for a better future, they’re more likely to engage in positive change and work together to improve well-being.
5 Science-Backed Ways to Strengthen Hope & Community for Greater Happiness
Want to build a more hopeful mindset and strengthen your community for long-term happiness? Here are five practical, research-backed ways to do just that:
1️⃣ Shift to Future-Oriented Thinking
🔹 How it works: Hopeful individuals focus on possibilities rather than problems. They visualize positive outcomes and plan for the future.
🔹 Try this: Each morning, write down one thing you look forward to. Even small moments of anticipation reinforce hope.
2️⃣ Develop a Growth Mindset
🔹 How it works: A growth mindset transforms setbacks into learning experiences, making it easier to stay motivated and adaptable.
🔹 Try this: When facing a challenge, ask yourself: “What can I learn from this?”
3️⃣ Build & Nurture Supportive Relationships
🔹 How it works: Social support is the #1 predictor of long-term happiness. Meaningful relationships provide encouragement and accountability.
🔹 Try this: Make one meaningful connection per week—call a friend, join a community event, or support a local cause.
4️⃣ Use Visualization & Mindfulness
🔹 How it works: Imagining success activates the same brain areas as actual achievement, reinforcing hope and motivation.
🔹 Try this: Spend 5 minutes visualizing a goal as if it’s already happening. Notice how it feels and what steps you took to get there.
5️⃣ Anchor Hope in Daily Rituals
🔹 How it works: Small daily practices keep hope alive and turn it into a habit.
🔹 Try this: Identify a symbol of hope—a plant, a color, or a mantra—and place it where you’ll see it daily.
Cultivating Hope & Building Community: How It All Started at Home
Six years ago, Pawel and I arrived in Lisbon with our van and the basics needed to start all over. Thanks to our authentic resourcefulness—the ability to turn obstacles into opportunities— we quickly found work.
But settling in wasn’t easy. We lived in a shared apartment with people we didn’t choose, in a space that felt unfamiliar and disconnected from nature.
To create a sense of home, connection, and belonging, we turned to something simple yet powerful—planting seeds.
🌱 Pawel had tried growing avocado trees before—in Germany, Bali, and Romania—without success. But in Portugal, something changed. After three months, our first seed sprouted. We called it “Sabali”—a West African word meaning patience, endurance, and perseverance.
🌿 From one tree, a community grew. Soon, we had dozens of small avocado trees, which we gifted to colleagues and friends—symbols of hope, resilience, and long-lasting relationships.
🌎 The roots of our trees reflected our own journey. As we built this small green oasis, we too felt more rooted, more connected—not only to each other but to the community we were creating.
That first sprout of hope led to something greater. Today, our avocado trees grow in our own home, alongside our son, Rafael. And that seed of patience and hope inspired not only Sabali Consulting, a company built on the same principles—long-term happiness, resilience, and well-being—but also HappierMe.Today, a movement dedicated to cultivating daily happiness, one step at a time.
Following the same principles of hope for a better future and the power of community, we’ve also built a small yet growing local community in Setúbal—A.H.H.A. Rooted in the same values we practice through our company and movement, A.H.H.A. brings together young families, creating a nurturing space for our children to form meaningful connections and grow together. Soon, we’ll share more about this journey, as we continue fostering hope, resilience, and the kind of communities that empower both individuals and future generations.
The Subtle Power of Green: Nature as a Community That Blooms
Green is more than just a colour—it’s a symbol of renewal, balance, and growth. Psychologists link it to hope and well-being because we see it in nature, where life continuously renews itself.
That’s why in The Blooming Spectrum Journal & Workbook, we use green as a mindful tool that stands for growth and renewal—a visual reminder to nurture hope, cultivate resilience, and create small moments of joy.
🎁 A Special Gift for You
💡 What does hope mean to you? How do you cultivate it?
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments, and I’ll send you a free copy of The Blooming Spectrum Journal & Workbook—a guide on small, daily habits that cultivate lasting happiness.
Together, let’s plant seeds of hope, grow thriving communities, and embrace the journey to long-lasting happiness. 🌱💚
Let’s make the world 1% happier today!
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