By Shane Reeves PharmD, CEO
Last week was a milestone in the Reeves household. My youngest, began her senior year of high school. While our nest isn’t empty just yet, there are more quiet moments than there were five years ago. It’s a bittersweet season—watching children step into their next chapter always causes me to consider the relatively short period that we all lived together.
Over the summer, I had the privilege of team-teaching a class at my church on a variety of topics. Yesterday’s lesson focused on happiness—not the fleeting feeling that comes and goes, but a deeper, more steady state of heart and mind. We discussed how so many of us chase happiness through accomplishments, possessions, or recognition, but true joy comes from something more enduring: aligning our daily actions with our values, practicing gratitude, and staying connected to a sense of purpose.
One theme that resonated with the group was the difference between external and internal sources of happiness. External circumstances—success at work, financial stability, or even a sunny day—can lift our spirits, but they’re often beyond our control. Internal sources, on the other hand, are things we can actively cultivate: a thankful spirit, kindness toward others, healthy relationships, and faith. These inner resources help us remain resilient when life’s inevitable challenges arise.
That truth doesn’t just apply to personal life—it holds just as much weight in our professional lives, including the work we do here at TwelveStone Health Partners.
In our infusion centers, we see patients at vulnerable moments—navigating chronic illness, recovering from surgery, or seeking relief from painful conditions. It’s not uncommon for these patients to face fear, uncertainty, or frustration. And yet, within those walls, joy can still be found—sometimes in the smallest interactions.
At TwelveStone, care, compassion, and service are not just part of our mission statement; they are values we live daily. They create an environment where joy has room to grow. I’ve seen it in the smile of a nurse offering reassurance to a nervous patient. I’ve felt it in a conversation between two patients who discover they’re not alone in their journey. I’ve heard it in the gratitude expressed by family members who know their loved one is in good hands.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned—both personally and professionally—it’s that happiness is built moment by moment. It’s found when we choose to pause and recognize the good around us.
My encouragement to you this week is simple:
- Look for the moments—big or small—that bring you joy in your work and relationships.
- Share those moments—your story may inspire someone else.
- Celebrate those moments—gratitude amplifies joy.
By doing so, you’ll not only strengthen your own sense of happiness, but you’ll also help foster a culture where joy is contagious. Whether in our homes, our church, or our infusion centers, this is how we build a place where people feel cared for, encouraged, and valued.
