News reports, pictures and video clips of the recent Haitian earthquake haunt our troubled minds. We witnessed rescuers save lives even while looters pillaged around them. Earthquakes near or far, apart from such impressionable drama, also teach us about the importance of infrastructure. A building is only as strong as its foundation; the quality of communal or national response to a natural disaster also depends on its framework. True, most structures in Haiti were not built to withstand a 7.0 trembler; but neither did its national government plan resources to respond to such a calamity. While such sufferings make our hearts go out to others, they are also sobering reminders to check in on our own heart’s infrastructure.

Do you realize that you too may have to face unexpected life-shaking events, strong enough to turn your plans upside down? Do you have a mental infrastructure which can withstand such tremblers? How promptly and effectively will this mental infrastructure respond to your personal life-changing events? We do not, however, need to wait for natural disasters to start working on a better attitude and a successful outlook. Opportunities for self-help come in all seasons, whether your spirits aspire high, feel low or are in time-out.

All of us dream about our goals. Some are motivated to become artists while others train hard to turn their physical talents into star athletes; some are inspired to seek professional skills while yet others, step by step, build their political careers. However pop-stars, despite their fabled wealth, may only wear a shell of happiness. Famous athletes are often busted for taking illicit drugs. Even politicians, who spend their entire lives building popularity, suddenly pull the rug from out under their feet by giving in to corruption and scandalous affairs. We are so busy dreaming and pursuing our goals, that we ignore the need for a strong infrastructure to help us enjoy the fruits of hard work. So here is a tip for a soaring spirit: When you dream about your goals, also picture enjoying it with a healthy life style, responsible relationships and honest dedication to others. With this simple combination, you will unlock the motivation to not only become rich and accomplished, but also a happier person.

All of us are proud of our core beliefs, whether we are atheists or agnostics, religious or just spiritual. Yet, all of us have heard of people denying their cherished beliefs because of personal misfortunes; some of us, as soon as we lose the love of our life, go adrift and sink into irreversible depression, alcoholism and other addictions. It is as though our belief system was supposed to insure against loss and had failed its guarantee. But the sobering reality is quite the opposite: Like earthquakes, some losses are unavoidable. High risk investments may lose money. Children usually lose their parents; spouses will lose each other. Excellent physical health is not eternal. Your belief system is supposed to help build up your mental strength to face these losses, not help you ignore them. So here is a tip when worry strikes: Don’t shy away from your fears. They can inspire you to open the tool box of your beliefs and use it to build a stronger mental home.

All of us love vacations. You look forward to enjoying unusual places, meeting new friends, savoring exotic foods and indulging in fun activities. However, you may wonder what makes a vacation fulfilling? You have opened your mind to something beyond ordinary routine and become willing to share something unusual and different. You may not realize it, but even the infrastructure of your mind is rejuvenated through this experience. So here is a tip for time-outs: Expect not only to have fun on your vacation but also to return as a motivated person. If you leave your home with an open mind, you will return with an inspiration.

Sometimes I have sailed without an outboard motor, only to watch the winds drop, the sails turn lifeless and the boat toss about as a dead fish. Fortunately, life is an ocean where the wind never dies. Don’t be like a sailor who has the wind by his side, but lacks the motivation to trim the sails and hold the rudder. Use the countless opportunities around you to inspire yourself to become a better and stronger person. After all, in a real emergency, it is the infrastructure—your Self--that will decide whether your mental home stays intact and whether you pull yourself out of its rubble or get buried under it.