Whenever we string together hundreds of words, we are bound to duplicate a few. I apologize in advance, sweet friends, but there are just so many ways to plot, punctuate, or polish the coronacoaster we are living on.

Is the scaffolding of the world tumbling and crumbling down? Feeling like Humpty Dumpty? Why did Humpty Dumpty have a great fall? To make up for a bad summer. Awww. You depleted what was left of your optimism and fight. The pages of this year’s calendar flipped so fast that we lost count of the days, weeks, and then months. Sorry, but hiding under your bed will not spare you the brutality and barbarity of this world.

Do anything at all, other than giving up. No, it does not need to be life-changing. Use your precious energy to care about what matters most to you. Keep your wits about you. Remember always that you are going to be okay. Repeat that to yourself, please. Yes, you are.

So you start the day with: “Good morning” and then proceed to tell everyone why it isn’t? Worrying gives small things a big shadow. No, you do not have to control your thoughts. Just don’t let them control you. A day of fretting is more exhausting than a whole day of work. Think about it. If you concern yourself with all things negative, even a little bit every day, in a lifetime you will lose a few years. Sometimes the worst place to be is in our own heads. Just take it ten seconds at a time.

You know what they say: If you treat everything in life like a life-and-death matter, you’ll die a lot of times. And for mercy’s sake: Don’t worry about worrying.

Are you convinced that the world is ending? No matter what, the only possible direction for you to move is forward. Imagining worst case scenarios may be a natural evolutionary response when we feel threatened. We can then plan ahead and somehow manage to survive. But the last time I checked, the world is still spinning.

Expecting and anticipating doom and gloom will surely not prevent it from happening. You don’t want your troubling and tormenting mind to usher in a self-fulfilling prophecy. There will be many chapters in our lives. Let’s try not to get lost in the one we are in now, please.

Fear can deform you, but faith will transform you. And no, fear is not the new “normal,” no matter what the media sells. You feel as though you are alienating your friends by talking incessantly about the state of the world now. Perhaps you simply don’t have a Zen perspective. Or maybe you are just waiting for the world to thaw out and hope to find some beauty peeking through yet again.

Try not to mope and dope. It’s better to hope than to mope. So what if buying a new pair of shoes won’t fix anything. Go for it. Chocolate is great; but shoes are carb-free. And just think, no matter how much you eat, your shoes will still fit.

Please don’t hesitate to ask for help. Perhaps you need advice, someone to rant to, or just want to be in the company of that upbeat, optimistic person. It’s okay to have some lifeboats. Make sure everyone in that boat is rowing, and not drilling holes when you’re not looking. Praying for something wonderful to come to pass? Have faith, sweet friends. Faith is: Feeling As IF the Thing Happened.

Miracles happen every day; and guess what? Tomorrow is a new day. How you choose to view what is happening to you determines your mindset. Which are you? Debbie Downer, or that positive can-do kind of person with boundless energy? They say that we humans tend to find what we are looking for. And face it: Complaining is draining.

Need some help rekindling that spark of yours? Honestly, nothing recharges you like being around cheerful, carefree people. Call the friend who makes you laugh. So what if the joke’s corny. My husband bought a world map and then gave me a dart and said, “Here – throw this and wherever it lands – that’s where I’m taking you when this pandemic ends.” Well, turns out, we’re spending two weeks behind the fridge.

But let’s be honest. Anytime you get behind the wheel of your car, or step foot on a plane, you are relinquishing control and dealing with uncertainty. Please do not underestimate your ability to cope.

What problem can you solve just for today? I know. You have lots of hidden talents. The problem is even you can’t find them. Money doesn’t solve all problems; but it could solve your money problem. Heh. Flip your focus away from the dark side of life. Truly the world is changed by your example, not your opinion. And just remember: Better days are just around the corner; they’re called Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

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.