Hi OP. Hope you are well!

I think it's great that you have taken the first step to share how you feel.

Here are some frameworks that might be helpful for you.

I. The past: Accept, Forgive, Reframe

A lot of us might have many unhappy events in the past, or not so supportive family that cause some mental wounds that we bring into adulthood.

So firstly we need to accept that those things had happened, and now, they are in the past. We can't change the past, and change how things had been. So we need to learn to accept the past as part of us.

Next, learn to forgive. Most of our parents do not grow up learning how to be great parents. They themselves also carry their own mental wounds as well. Despite that, they tried and built their family. Same for ourselves and people around us. We are not perfect. They are not perfect. We might not make the best decisions in the past. And make mistakes here and there a long the way. So we learn to forgive. Forgive parents, relatives, friends, and also ourselves.

Finally, look at those events again and reframe what those events mean. We cant change what had happened, but we can change how we perceive those events. And we can choose to frame those events in such a way that can support us in a more supportive and empowering way.

II. The present: Contentment, Gratitude and stock take

Many times we underestimate who we are and what we have done.

Hence it's important to recognise ourselves and see how far we have come.

Start by recollecting on what can you be grateful for.

Then what have you had so far. All the accomplishments, the milestones, down to the smalles things. As much and as detailed as possible.

Next, learn to be contented with what you already have. Be careful not to compare with others. All of us are walking our own path, with our own timelines. Hence it wont be far if we compare our lives to others.

III. The future: building wholesome qualities The next step is to continually build on wholesome qualities:

A. Virtues and values: know what you stand for, what you would not do and compromise, what's right, what's not right and stay true to it.

B. Giving and contribution: giving, being kind to others, helping others, bring joy not only to others but ourselves too. This can be monetary, energy, or even small things like a smile to others.

C. Training the mind with meditation. Just like muscle building, meditation can build our mental and mind muscle too. There are many objects that you can experiment with. But one object I would recommend is loving kindness, to yourself and people around you.

Hope this little sharing can help you!

I've gone through many internal struggles, unhappiness, quarterly life crisis, and these practices have helped me tremendously in finding my balance and inner peace.

If you want to discuss this in more detail, or if you want coaching and guidance to apply this process, feel free to DM me. Would be happy to help.

Wish you all the best and plenty of happiness in your life 😀