I'm starting to understand and appreciate that situations such as breakups and loss can act like catalysts. Painful as they may be, they are opportunities in disguise, that give you the chance to rewrite the stories we attach to past events that ultimately shape our perception of reality.

Once we can handle the peaks and valleys of life, we can reach a nice middle ground where we can hold it steady. That's the goal -- sipping on lemonade for life!

The ability to solve life's problems and live the life you want to live sometimes means acting in opposition to your feelings. Doing so can release you from painful and long-standing emotions.

Wouldn't life be so much easier without hurt feelings? Well, maybe. But I believe that hurt feelings can also provide a powerful opportunity for self-awareness and healing.

Still reeling from the "if it feels good, do it" ethos of the 60s, our social milieu says go get what you need -- whatever it is, however you must. Who cares if you destroy your own life so long as you don't really hurt anyone else?

Why do only some people succeed at learning from their bad experiences, while others fail? It turns out that some of us may have a more adaptive style of self-reflection than others.