A new skill for 2007: enjoy the benefits of reframing.(THE LAST LAUGH)

Just when you think you know it all, it all changes--or at least your perception of it does. I've discovered that if you consciously alter your perspective of reality, the result can be less stress, a more positive outlook on life and fewer people mad at me--and vice versa.

Even my nurse practitioner recommended mind over drugs to reduce those still-pesky hot flashes. Here are some recent examples of how reframing has helped me.

Reframe summer

I love summer activities such as boating, sailing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, biking and tennis. My play partner suffering a deep leg gash requiring 10 stitches inside and 29 metal staples outside changed things starting June 11.

Negative: There's nobody to play with for water or any activities requiring two good legs. A rotten waste of summer.

Reframed: Toward the end of the summer I realized that other activities had replaced my beloved water sports. I played on five tennis teams, became adept at nursing and health care and enjoyed more time for reading and lolling in the sunshine. Maybe 2007 will bring me a "water summer."

Reframe location