"Sour Grapes"...YUM!

So, I have heard that several of you bought lottery tickets this week and lost the chance to be a multimillionaire.  You really didn't want to win, did you?  It would have caused so much turmoil in your life:

• You would meet all kind of relatives you didn't know you had, or want to know.
• You would have to decide what to keep, invest, or SHARE.
• You might quit your job and live in luxury with a meaningless couch potato life.
• You might ultimately find out that money really doesn't buy happiness (maybe).
• You would never know who really loved you for yourself or your money.

Anyway, you get the picture.  This is what some people do to cope with the disappointment of a lost dream.  It is called "sour grapes".  I used to think it a silly way to deal with life...but maybe I was wrong. (maybe)

Not so long ago, as I was trying to get over my now former husband.  It was an ugly time full of heartache, grief, etc.  At that time I was sharing my story with anyone who asked.  One day  I was talking about it with a stranger, who had been through the same thing.  Her advice...  "Think about all the things you don't like about him."   Hmmm.....sour grapes.

I have been opposed to this choice in viewpoint for several reasons.  It seems childish, and my brain  knows it is trying to fool itself.  Also, I am of the belief to treat others as I would like to be treated.   However, if I can manage to love the sinner while disliking the behavior, I think this tactic is clean.

In essence, my pride got in the way of using a most practical defense mechanism.  Sometimes, this may be the optimal choice to get through the day.  When I am deeply longing to have something I cannot have, there are several options of thought.  The most important thing for me is that I don't keep the misery of unquenched desire from intruding upon my life.  Using sour grapes is one quick way to snip it in the bud.

In conclusion, I don't recommend this tactic frequently, because one's entire worldview could slowly become "sour" with overuse of this.  However, an occassional sour grape is a fine ingredient when one is trying to make lemonaide out of lemons!  Huh?