Let’s face it, complaining is something that most of us do day in and day out. Many times we aren’t even aware of it. Have you ever thought about the effects — usually negative — that complaining brings about? Most of the time we can usually feel “justified” in our complaints. In fact, I’ve been known to say, “Well it’s not really a complaint, it’s more like an observation or opinion or even an exclamation!”
However, whatever we focus on seems to increase in nature — so why, if you don’t like something bring attention to it by complaining, for in reality you’re only encouraging more of it in your life? Have you thought about the ill (literally) effects complaining can have on your health? If something is out of kilter, see what you can do to take care of it, but repeated complaining about it won’t solve the situation.
What about the effect complaining has on your relationships? Do you have any friends or family that have a constant habit of complaining? How does that make you feel to be around them? Reverse the role and consider if you are a chronic complainer how it affects those close to you.
Join me in taking the 21 Day Complaint Free World. Come by our church on Sunday and pick up your purple bracelet to help remind you to change that negative habit. That’s done by being aware of your words of complaint for 21 days in a row. If you slip, you move the bracelet to the other wrist and start over in the 21 day count. It usually takes an average of 3 or 4 months to complete if you are truly diligent with it.
Say with me: “I am ready to give up complaining for it doesn’t positively feed me or others in any way. I am creating a habit of looking for the good that is all around me and diminishing seeing the negative. I am ready to have my life work in a more productive and enlivened way. For this I am grateful. And it is so.”
— Rev. Gay Beauregard, Alpine Church of Spiritual Living
