That moment when everything suddenly makes sense. When we no longer doubt, but are completely at peace with ourselves and everything. How wonderful it would be if someone told us how to do that. If there was someone to show us how to lead a fulfilled life. But do we really need someone else to tell us who we are and what is good for us? No. Instead, we should listen carefully to ourselves.

Habits are practical. We don't have to think about them, they happen automatically. They make our everyday lives easier - but at the same time they unconsciously restrict us. For example, if we always take the same route to work in the morning, we forget to ask ourselves whether there might be a better way. And perhaps a better way to lead our lives.

Meaning in the now: Capturing moments to understand today

To understand where we are in life, what we have already mastered and how strong we are, it helps to write a kind of biography. For example, in the form of a "fever curve" in which we draw the natural ups and downs that characterize our development. After a short time, we will recognize patterns: a kind of common thread that runs through our lives - and has led us to the present.

Courage for tomorrow: how we can playfully set new goals

By writing down the various situations we have been through, we realize that although we have often had to struggle with obstacles, we have always overcome them in the end. Problems have become solutions - and we have done so using our own strength. This gives us confidence and courage for the next day. We are free and ready to plan our future, to chart a new course that will take us forward.

Looking to the future: Becoming the architect of your own life

If we want to achieve new goals, it helps to be as specific as possible. And don't be afraid of change! With our strengths and talents, we can overcome any uncertainty. We just have to keep reminding ourselves of this: We ourselves are the architects of our own existence. Only we have the power to actively shape our lives and to be happy and content. So let's get rid of habits that are not good for us. Instead, let's incorporate the things that really matter to us into our everyday lives and work more often. Our personal values, preferences and beliefs are important so that we are in harmony with ourselves - and with the people who surround us every day.

Mantra for happiness: using sources of strength and practising acceptance

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is often difficult to pause and listen to ourselves. Then it helps to go to a favorite place or consciously do something that gives us peace and allows us to forget stress. From now on, let's say to ourselves in moments like these: "I can be who I am and how I am. And that's why I don't have to stay like this - I can also grow beyond myself."

4 questions for Dr. Rolf Merkle

The psychotherapist and author believes that the most important thing is to live as happily as possible.

1 Self-coaching: does it work?

Basically, there is only self-coaching. Even if we get advice from outside, we have to draw our own conclusions and put them into practice. The prerequisite for self-coaching is to be honest with yourself.

2 What question should I ask?

First: What exactly is my problem in terms of thinking, feeling and behavior? What do I want to change and why right now? Then: Where do I want to go? What do I want my new behavior to look like?

3 How important is the past?

We don't necessarily need to know why we are the way we are at the moment. Knowing the causes can be helpful. What is more important is that we know exactly where we want to go and how to get there.

4 Why should I change things?

When we leave our comfort zone, we feel insecure. But this is the only way we can develop further, recognize boundaries - and grow.

You might also be interested in this:
Time to live part 2: The magic of new beginnings
Time to live part 3: "I am great!"
Time to live Part 4: Dare to say "no" more often
Time to live Part 5: Learning mindfulness
Time to live Part 6: About being happy
Time to live Part 7: Learning to let go
Time to live Part 8: The secret of serenity
Time to live Part 9: More me-time, please!
Time to live Part 10: Strengthening love!
Time to live Part 11: Become an optimist!
Time to live Part 12: 15 sentences for life
Time to live Part 13: Rituals make our lives easier
Time to live Part 14: Simply switch off for a while