Building Happiness in Pasco County: An Action-Based Approach from a Licensed Mental Health Counselor By: Karen Schwartz Triana LMHC and Yvette Triana LMHC
Happiness isn’t a destination—it’s a practice. As Licensed Mental Health Counselors, We often remind clients that lasting happiness isn’t about chasing highs or waiting for life to be perfect. It’s about building a meaningful life, step by step, through values-based action. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a powerful framework for this. Instead of trying to eliminate difficult thoughts or emotions, ACT helps you accept them, clarify what really matters, and commit to behavior that aligns with your values—even when life gets messy.
The first and most powerful step in building happiness is identifying your core values. What do you stand for? What gives your life meaning beyond the daily grind? Research shows that values clarification is linked to increased life satisfaction and motivation (Hayes et al., 2012).
Once you know your values, happiness becomes less about feeling good in the moment and more about living with purpose. Try this: write down five values that matter most to you and then choose one small action to live out each value this week. If you value “family,” maybe that means planning a screen-free dinner. If you value “growth,” maybe it’s time to enroll in that workshop you’ve been putting off.
The next skill is psychological flexibility, the ability to stay open to difficult emotions and thoughts while still taking meaningful action. Studies have shown that psychological flexibility is strongly associated with greater emotional well-being and reduced anxiety and depression (Kashdan & Rottenberg, 2010). Rather than getting stuck in your head, ACT invites you to observe your internal experience and gently redirect your behavior toward what matters. It’s not about “fixing” yourself; it’s about allowing discomfort and choosing forward movement anyway. The next time you’re anxious or overwhelmed, pause and ask: “What can I do right now that honors my values?” Then take that step, no matter how small.
Mindfulness also plays a crucial role in happiness. Being present allows you to connect with your life as it is, instead of being lost in regrets or fears. Even brief, daily mindfulness practices have been shown to enhance emotional regulation and overall well-being (Keng et al., 2011). Try starting your day with a mindful breath or a quiet moment outside before reaching for your phone. These micro-moments of presence can build a more stable, sustainable kind of happiness.
If you’re ready to stop waiting for happiness and start building it, we’re here to help. At Caliper Wellness, our therapists specialize in ACT and other evidence-based therapies to support you in living a life that feels rich, meaningful, and connected. You don’t have to do this alone—happiness is a practice, and we’d be honored to walk beside you as you strengthen yours.
Call Caliper Wellness today to schedule your first appointment. Let’s take the first step toward your version of a meaningful life—together.
References:
- Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
- Kashdan, T. B., & Rottenberg, J. (2010). Psychological flexibility as a fundamental aspect of health. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 865–878.
- Keng, S. L., Smoski, M. J., & Robins, C. J. (2011). Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: A review of empirical studies. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(6), 1041–1056.
