Guest Author - Stephanie L Watson

“Your happiness in life is a direct result of your outlook on life.” This is what my fortune cookie stated today at lunch. I keep thinking about this because it is something that I have told my children, and something I have striven to demonstrate as well.

I looked up the quote on the web and I cannot find any one person it is attributed but I love the quote. I saved my fortune and stuck it on my computer so that I can look at it every day. My outlook on the world is typically to look on the bright side or humorous side, of any event, including really bad events. But sometimes, even I need a reminder.

What can you do in order to be able to see the bright side or humorous side of the events you are facing today? Divorce is one of the most destructive and difficult life events one can imagine but there are some bright sides. You may have to toss aside some anger, resentment and fear to see it, but I want you to try.

Turn things around by rewording and rethinking negative thoughts.

Instead of:

Divorce is the end of my marriage
He left me for another woman
I have to live without my children every summer
I will now live in poverty
My life is over
I’m old and used up

Think:

This Divorce is the beginning of my New Life.
Better her, than me!
CRUISE!
I’d rather clip coupons.
I’m just getting started!
I’m like a fine wine, the older I get the better I am

See? It’s not that difficult to turn a negative into a positive or if not completely positive you may laugh, which will immediately make you feel better. There are many people throughout history who have started over at a late age and crafted wonderful and exciting lives for themselves.

They were able to do this because they changed their own minds about their predicament. You have choices in life. You can choose to let outside forces beat you down, or you can hit back and let joy come through. Another quote that comes to mind and is so true, “Living well is the best revenge.” By George Herbert

Stop by the forum and join the discussion about the fortune cookie and start your own favorite quote topics.