If you ’ re trying to break a bad habit , you need to become aware of the “ pain softener ” stories you tell yourself — and how you might be in denial .

An example from my own life :

About two years after my son was born , I was still calling the extra twenty to thirty pounds on my body the pain-softener euphemism of “ my pregnancy weight .” One day I got a “ wake-up call ” from my doctor . He told me my weight gain had created high cholesterol . Once I was forced to drop my pain-softener “ pregnancy weight ” description — I was newly motivated to drop the extra weight .

Basically , you won ’ t have the willpower to change your naughty ways until you snap yourself out of your pain-softener denial - and face the true pain of your bad habits head-on .

Habits are the building blocks of your life . When you take the time to improve these building blocks with intention and positivity , you lay a solid foundation for happiness and fulfillment .

Remember : Embracing happier habits isn ’ t about an overnight transformation . It ’ s about steady , deliberate shifts that accumulate over time to create a positive ripple effect in your life .

So be patient and kind to yourself along the way . You ’ ve got this ! Every small step forward is leading you to a happier life .

- Karen Salmansohn

WISDOM & SELF-GROWTH