By Peiying Peng & Liz Zed

A change of attitude really is transformation–if one allows it. For this week’s tip of the week we’re offering a real life example.

A couple of friends, sorely missing their recently separated partners reluctantly venture out for a vacation spot day trip to a rough-it style unfinished cabin in the woods. After travelling for hours in a carbon-monoxide emanating old-school leaking jeep with wet seats down a potholed logging road in the rain and cold (windows wide open to prevent exhaust poisoning), they arrived at their destination.

They had come prepared with a bottle of wine, baguette, camembert, & oysters to cook in tin foil over the little camping heater. The beach was deserted–isolated & lonely vs. peaceful and tuned-in to the sound of crashing waves.

There are facts in the matter and there is meaning in the matter. The fact is that it’s raining. The meaning that we attach defines the experience we will have. Or more pertinently, how we feel in the moment. The continuum is one running between sorrow and joy. Does one choose sorrow or does one choose joy?

The friends chose and experienced a joyful adventure.