Sure, you’ve done loads of things that brought you happiness. But didn’t they all seem to come with an expiration date? Having peace of mind, prosperity, and pleasure can be yours, with the right life habits.

Acknowledging your blessings and appreciating the gifts you’ve been given feeds happiness. Let’s be honest, sweet friends. It takes discipline and heaps of energy to really make things happen in your life.

So how do you kickstart your day? What’s the most important thing you need to accomplish today? Make a “To-Do” list: List three things that you take joy in and that you can give thanks for. Remind yourself to do this daily. You know, good habits are just as hard to break as bad habits. Motivation may jumpstart you, but those good habits are what will keep you going.

You had your patience tested today and you’re negative. How frustrated do you get when things don’t go your way? He changed plans at the last minute. Traffic is at a slow crawl. I would tell you a traffic joke, but it would drive you crazy. The train is late again. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. Actually…I think that’s a train. Not to derail the conversation, but I once tried to get a job as a railway conductor, but they didn’t think I had enough training.

But seriously, practice embracing and accepting transitions and transformations. Adapt and adjust to a change in circumstances. Your days are managed by your daily routine. What are some little things you do daily? Try visualizing your day in your mind’s eye. How would you like it to go?

Don’t rush me. I’m waiting for the last minute. They say nothing makes a man more productive than the last minute. Please try not to rush through the day. Make a list of your objectives and be specific. What steps do you need to take to achieve your aim?

Focus on what is essential and meaningful. How many times a day do your phone notifications chime in on you? If you said more than 50, you win the free stuffed animal of your choice. Then again, I regret leaving my phone on “silent” when I can’t find it. You know that the average person spends 48 minutes a day comparing their battery life with others in the house to determine who gets to use the working charger. Admit it: When anyone touches your phone, you automatically turn into a ninja. But truly, take the time to recharge yourself, sweet friends.

In learning, you teach; and in teaching, you learn. Please find someone you look up to. Infuse yourself with their strength and spirit. Surround yourself with people who are already where you wish to be. Instead of thinking for you, he will guide you to find your own voice. Her hindsight can become your foresight.

If you don’t schedule it, it will most likely not get done. You even have to make time for your downtime. Tell them all that you are temporarily closed for spiritual maintenance. Forget about part time, some time, or spare time. Sometimes you just need to relax and accept the crazy. Is there anything you can do that will make you forget to check your phone? Do that.

Your mood and state of mind can be contagious. We rise by lifting others, my friends. Want a recipe for the blues? Depend on external events to be a particular way in order to be happy. Life will rarely go as planned. Plan for that. Then again, you know what they say: Having plans sounds like a good idea until you have to put on clothes and leave the house.

Sure, you got all eager and enthusiastic about your plans, but you neglected the actual planning part. Break your plan of action into milestones, made up of small actions. Clear all your hurdles. As they say: Plan B could have been Plan A all along. Heck, it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.

Make sure to work on your mental health every day. Spend a bit less time online. Go ahead and smile at the cashier today. Speaking of which, have you ever seen a cashier at every register at a Target? Hmmm. Go ahead and smile at yourself in the mirror while you’re at it. Practice is not the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing that makes you good. What are practicing, 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.