Life is a perpetual journey of acquiring knowledge and life lessons. Have you learned yours? Was it through life experience, from your favorite books, movies, or from others?
What have you learned about love? Well, it’s been said: “Love is a two-way street constantly under construction.” Always put some humor into your love story. “My name is Microsoft. Can I crash at your place tonight?” Let’s be honest. Love is sharing your popcorn. “I love you even more than I’m annoyed by you.” Well then… For some, it is particularly difficult to say this out loud. But please master the art of saying, “I love you.”
Life can be messy and difficult. Peer pressure or fear of judgment can steer you way off course. Please stay on your beaten path. Put a lighthearted spin on your daily events and don’t take your sweet self so seriously.
Want to feel brighter and breezier? No matter how many times we say it, eating well and exercising will offer huge emotional benefits. Information about health abounds and is found everywhere. You know, things like: There’s no point in walking if you don’t have your Fitbit on. “You can live to a hundred if you give up all the things that make you want to live to a hundred.” “Eat less sugar. You’re sweet enough already.” Aww. Red meat is not bad for you; now, blue or green meat, that’s bad for you.
So, eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d rather not. Then you’ll be the picture of health. Remember: Just because you’re not sick doesn’t mean you’re healthy. Do take care of yourselves, sweet friends.
Try this: not as much paperwork and a bit more running barefoot on the beach. Remember: Don’t give in to the pier pressure. Heh. Do not fear vulnerability or tenderness. Make an effort to connect from the bottom of your heart. It’s okay to ask for help; as a matter of fact, it is crucial for your emotional and spiritual growth.
Don’t let the world set your ambitions or aspirations. Make your own. Do not allow media or societal expectations to determine your life choices. We may very well be the most informed society that is dying of ignorance. Lying is the new truth, my friends. Society is so fake that truth is what triggers people. It’s been said that society messed us up, but we are society. After all, the world is made up of individuals, is it not?
The culture will teach you that no matter what size you are, you will never be good enough. You’ll always be either too skinny, too fat, too short, or too tall. Too this, or too that. What do you feel you are too much or too little of?
Are you waiting indifferently to see what life reveals to you? How about learning as much as you can and heading off in the direction of your fancies and fantasies? How do we learn to face what’s on our journey? Pay heed to those life lessons, sweet friends. I know: Some cautionary tales we seem to receive the hard way. But just think how much smarter, sharper, and saner you became on the other side.
People will never cease to amaze or astonish you. While some may make you believe we humans are the vilest species on earth, others may very well restore your faith in humanity. Yes, there are good things and good people in this world.
Life happens in a New York minute. You know what Jackie Mason said: “A person who speaks good English in New York sounds like a foreigner.” Then again, it’s been said: When you’re in New York City, always keep your money and other valuables in a safe place, such as Switzerland.
But truly, please make your moments count. Please do not remain fear-driven. It’s crucial to be careful, but do not become a fear addict. It’s tempting to worship at the altar of safety, but it is of the essence to live a full life, not only a “safe” one.
Be curious, critical, and question authority, please. The word “misinformation” has come to mean criticizing the government. When you were a child, you were told that anyone can become president. Aren’t you beginning to now believe it? The media organizations have shut down all dissent. You have a rightful, righteous prerogative to resist the pressure to conform to a popular norm.
Don’t agonize or aggravate about the future. How can you possibly enjoy the moment if you are all caught up in what may happen tomorrow? Speaking of which, tomorrow is not the best time to do everything you planned to do for today. You know that “tomorrow” is the busiest day of the week. Stay in the moment. You can keep your eye on the road, but don’t forget to enjoy the trip.
Give yourself that much-needed pep talk and automatically shift into a more positive mindset. Cherish your loved ones and all you have. Select your thoughts the same way you select your outfit for the day. Be flexible and patient when life tosses you the inevitable curve balls. After all, your life is a reflection of the choices you make. Choose wisely, sweet friends.
Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, and writer with an office in Queens. She works with individuals, couples, and families. Appointments are available throughout the week and weekends. She can be reached at 917-717-1775 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at facebook.com/pages/Safe-Haven-Healing.