Thanks to all that replied. I like the fresh flowers idea as a start. The idea about Asian cultures was interesting. I think there is a balance. I sometimes think the West takes rugged individualism too far.
My therapist says this belief system is ingrained in me because it is how I was raised. Not because my parents are bad, but because it was probably taught to them. I guess I'm trying to figure out how to deprogram myself and learn new beliefs. It is amazing how easy we can play out old beliefs in our lives without realizing it.
I suppose it will be normal in a way as I practice doing differently for it to feel weird and unnatural at first?
There is a saying I like, "Going sane feels a lot like going crazy."