I’m naturally a complainer. I’m guessing it has something to do with my nature and my nurture.
- I’ve had enough of this cloudy, rainy, cold weather.
- My kids don’t always listen to me.
- Traffic on the morning commute to Millard North is relentless.
- My laundry doesn’t fold itself.
- My schedule on most days is demanding.
- When technology doesn’t work it drives me crazy.
I’m trying to complain less these days. It gets me nowhere.
Complaining doesn’t solve a single problem. Complaining is draining. To the complainer and to those around the complainer. People rightfully think less of me when I complain.
I need to start being more encouraging and optimistic. To realize it is better to light one small candle than it is to curse the darkness. To know the happiest people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything. To use my words in ways that are affirming and life giving.
Let’s look at my complaints, one by one, from the perspective of encouragement and optimism.
- The rain nourishes the soil and makes sunny days like today even more beautiful.
- My kids are amazing.
- I get to spend twenty minutes with Benjamin every morning.
- I have plenty of clothes to wear.
- I have a rewarding job and enjoy my kids’ activities.
- Technology helps me be more productive and communicate better.
We have been discovering joy over the past few weeks and have a few more weeks to go. I don’t know any chronic complainers who are filled with joy. I know lots of encouragers and optimistic people who do experience joy.
Here is the challenge. Go a full day. 24 hours without complaining. Don’t just remain silent. Change your thoughts from entitlement and disappointment to optimism and encouragement. And see what happens. I’m guessing the result will be a good thing.
