Divorce is filled with big changes. Huge adjustments. Countless challenges. When we’re coping with divorce, it seems that every time we turn around, we are faced with some gigantic upheaval in our day-to-day life. Every day is a challenge to keep our balance without falling into the pit of despair.
When I was in a really tough place during my divorce, I came across a book entitled, Try Giving Yourself Away. The book jacket says, “A cheerful, heartening book which sets forth a hundred simple things that you can do to make your life much happier … and to make the world around you a better place to live … starting right away.” Don’t you love that? Simple. Easy to read and easy to do. And so powerful!
Noticing
One of my favorite chapters in the book is entitled “Noticing.” It’s about noticing both the wonderful little things that happen around us all the time, and the small ways that we can contribute to the happiness or well-being of others.
The next time you get a chance, just notice someone doing something good. Your co-worker. Your child or grandchild. Your sibling. Your friend or neighbor. Tell them you appreciate something they did. Or simply notice a piece of trash on the sidewalk and pick it up and throw it away instead of walking around it.
Notice when you go out in the morning to pick up your paper that there are no bombs going off around you and be thankful. Be aware that you can go inside and fix a cup of good hot coffee before you get ready to go to work. Take a flower to put on your desk at work or on your kitchen counter at home to brighten your day.
Being aware of the small good things around you everywhere and the little you can do to make the world a better place, even in the middle of your divorce. Today, let’s all notice when someone at the grocery store is doing a particularly good job at something … or notice when someone is dealing with a long line of complaining consumers. Instead of adding to her woes, compliment her on her patience. One of my favorite places to try this is at any government office where incompetence and waiting seem to be in abundance!
