101 Ways to Move Forward After a Midlife Divorce

Tip # 23. Buy a few flowers at the grocery store and walk around ‘til you see someone who needs them and give them to them. Tell the unsuspecting person it’s National ‘Spread the Joy’ Day or make up any kind of Joy Day you want. The more we practice spreading random joy, the more joyful we will be, ourselves. In the middle of our divorce, we often are so self-absorbed we forget how much we have to offer to others. Remember, there are other people going through struggles, too. Find a person who has been bussed in on “Senior Day,” from the local nursing home. Or maybe it’s the middle-aged check out person who has to work because of her own divorce or a woman stocking the shelves to pay for junior college. Or even a harried young mother with several normal, rowdy kids in tow. Don’t expect anything in return. Give the flowers with absolutely no strings attached. You’ll be amazed at the joy you will feel yourself. And it may be a life-changing moment for that other person, too. I’ve heard more than a few amazing stories like that.