Techguy and Cotoffguard said it perfectly. At first, we GAL to distract but it doesn't really do anything to make us happy. Or we think. Then we start to realize we are feeling happy and that makes it easier to start accepting that what will be will be and life is not as bad as we once thought. We may even find some very nice surprises along the way.
I'm not saying change your religion, but my family is Catholic and my cousin recently (last few years) became a Buddhist. I will tell you that he is happier and more directed now than I have ever seen him in his life. The wisdom that can be applied to life from there is just amazing. So regardless of your religious views, it is worth learning about and seeing what you can take from it.
If you focus on the past, you ruin the future. You can only live for today.
