BY MARIA LUIS SALCINES
We have all heard the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” But what happens when your lemons are rotten?
There will be moments in life when things don’t go your way or it seems as if all you get is bad news. What do you do then?
What you have is what you got, so toss the basket of rotten lemons out and drink water.
A great quote from “The Forgotten Garden,” a novel by Kate Morton: “You make a life out of what you have, not what you’re missing.”
Choosing to make the most out of the situation will help you lead a happier life.
It’s easy to be happy when things are going well. Smiling and being kind to others when you really want to cry shows your strength and character.
Life is about learning how to be flexible when things don’t go your way. This pertains to major life changes or to a storm running your outdoor party.
Sometimes it pours and there is nothing we can do about it except have backup plans and thinking outside the box, or as I read, once thinking like there is no box.
Positive people choose behaviors that will increase their happiness and surround them with friends and family they can count on. They also help others and show appreciation for the life they have.
Ultimately, the way in which you choose to respond to life is what will determine your happiness.
Stop complaining and remember there are others going through similar situations. No one is immune from experiencing sadness and difficult moments.
We will all run into bad times and sometimes it is heart-wrenching. But we can’t allow the tough situations to destroy our spirit.
Give yourself permission to cry and stay in bed all day and then pray, hug your children, your spouse, call a friend, go for a walk or turn the music on full blast and have a dance party.
Look outside of yourself for the things that will spark moments of happiness.
Maria Luisa Salcines is a freelance writer and certified parent educator with The International Network for Children and Families in Redirecting Children’s Behavior and Redirecting for a Cooperative Classroom. Follow her on Twitter @PowerOfFamily or on Instagram @mlsalcines.
