We Are Not Defined by Situations

Situations don’t define us. We define them.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian 

After we have been meditating regularly for a while, we acquire a good deal of control over the contents of our mind. First we become aware of the thoughts that arise and fall away, then we are able to choose those we nurture. We can look at life in a more positive way, choosing to define how we want our life to be.  This is the path to freedom.