When life gets us down, it is all too easy to fall into the trap of complaining (trust me, I’m guilty too). Unfortunately, not only does complaining not fix the problem, it actually makes the situation worse.
Perhaps you’ve seen the following:
Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.
― Mahatma Gandhi
It’s hard to believe or truly conceive that our thoughts actually create our own reality, but it is most definitely the case.
Your challenge, should you choose to accept it:
Go one week without complaining…about anything.
If you catch yourself complaining, simply stop, collect your thoughts, and move on. If you are talking to other people that complain, simply acknowledge it, and move on. You don’t have to engage it. I’m going to take the challenge with you.
Designate this week as complaint free.
Cut & pasted this quotation to put up in front of me to look at throughout the day – needed this one today! Thanks Anne!
You’re welcome, Shirley!!
Thank you. Not sure I can achieve a whole week of not complaining, but it’s a great goal. Did you see the obituary of Dwike Mitchell in the NY Times? This quote has been on my mind: “In a blog essay posted on the Web site of The American Scholar before Mr. Mitchell’s death, Mr. Zinsser said Mr. Mitchell’s approach to broken-down pianos (which musicians sometimes encounter on tour) illustrated his approach to life. “I learned long ago that it does no good to complain,” Mr. Zinsser recalled Mr. Mitchell telling him. Instead, listen to the keys and put their flatness or sharpness to use. “You say, ‘What does it do?’ ” said Mr. Mitchell, sounding an imaginary clinker on a piano. “ ‘Will it do anything? Let’s check it out”
I love it, Leela. Thanks for sharing!
What great timing for this post.
I’m taking the challenge with you!
Awesome, Allison!
Creative goal. I will take the challenge and hope to make it through the week. Thanks Anne, you are so awesome. Have a great week.
YOU are so awesome, Juanita. I love hearing from you!