[Fuzzybear]

This doesn’t appeal to me much.. I guess the term “habits”. I don’t much like routines (and I know everyone has to have some) but maybe someone can help me. Does positive thinking or habit change transform your life? If so I’m all ears

What would be in your lists for happiness?

[Fuzzybear]

[Ohseedee]

Routine really helps my mental well-being. I find my days tend to be better from Monday-Friday when I have a regular schedule (wake up at 6:45am, shower, feed cats, breakfast, walk to placement, spend 8 hours at placement, etc.) than during the weekend where I tend not to get much done.

It especially helps when I am working towards a goal, however small. My big goal right now is to graduate from college, which will happen May 2019. Working towards something that is important for me, that I feel passionate about...it gives me a sense of purpose.

So my list for happiness would definitely include a routine, dreams/goals, spending time with people I love, taking time to have fun, and laughter.

A hot cup of tea and a good book.

[Rohag]

In my single, limited case:

A few habits/routines (example - my pre-sleep/bedtime "rituals") are essential for keeping me from crashing, but by themselves they do not create happiness.

I never saw results from my attempts at "positive thinking".

Habit change at my age is next to impossible. Amazingly, I have been able to change or recover habits/routines, but that has not produced change in my mental health status.

[daz1056]

I would agree with the group. positive routines can change your life. Routines that have helped me are meditation at lunch times, exercise when I wake up and a good diet. You can also change your habitual thinking, habitual positive self talk will give you a much better life tha habitual negative e self-talk. In short the answer to both your question is a yes.

[happysobercrafter]

I am not trying to talk you into anything you don't want to do. Pacing yourself is sooooooooo important!!

Ok, that said, what helped me the most was facing the emotions and events that haunted me. It was painful and, I cried a TON, but once I got through them, my deep healing began and I started to feel and be happier. Once I saw that firsthand, I gradually moved through other painful situations from my background.

It really made me much stronger and seeing myself remain calm and able to think clearly in situations that once made me turn tail and run was the best thing I could do for myself. Also, sharing with my friends how I got better is fullfiling.