Day 14: Real Time
Day One: 21 day complaint free journey
I had occasion to visit a friend and her brother (who also happens to be my cats’ vet) at a beautiful home on the St. John’s River in Green Cove Springs yesterday.
I explained my purple bracelet to them, which led to a discussion about complaining.
So, what did we do? Complained about OTHER people who complain. His cats, however, basked in the sun, never once joining in the conversation.
I’m humbled every day by the difficulty of this journey I have chosen for myself. I never expected it to be this hard.
Which proves how badly I need to stay the course.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Day 13
Day 13: Real Time
Day One: 21 day complaint free journey
My bracelet moved several times yesterday.
Let me rephrase that: I had to move my bracelet several times. After all, I’m the one who complains, so I have to accept the responsibility. That’s a large part of this journey, I think.
Without complaining about what I was complaining about, my mom and I went to a local open air arts market yesterday. Suffice it to say there were a lot of people there, it is late May in Florida, and many of those attending this event brought their dogs. :)
I’ll keep trying, though
Day One: 21 day complaint free journey
My bracelet moved several times yesterday.
Let me rephrase that: I had to move my bracelet several times. After all, I’m the one who complains, so I have to accept the responsibility. That’s a large part of this journey, I think.
Without complaining about what I was complaining about, my mom and I went to a local open air arts market yesterday. Suffice it to say there were a lot of people there, it is late May in Florida, and many of those attending this event brought their dogs. :)
I’ll keep trying, though
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Day 12
Day 12: Real Time
Day 1: 21 day complaint free journey
Day 12
Day One
I'm still on Day One but I think I'm seeing some progress. My head is engaged a bit earlier than my mouth MOST of the time.
I decided yesterday, though, that IF I can stop the complaint before it comes out, I will replace it with a positive affirmation of something. Anything.
I think my need to speak is so strong now (after years of not speaking at all, in fact I went all through college without ever joining in a discussion) that I simply HAVE to say something.
But since my habit has become to complain, I must fulfill my need to express myself by complimenting or praising instead.
Keep your fingers crossed for me. Let’s see how it works today.
Day 1: 21 day complaint free journey
Day 12
Day One
I'm still on Day One but I think I'm seeing some progress. My head is engaged a bit earlier than my mouth MOST of the time.
I decided yesterday, though, that IF I can stop the complaint before it comes out, I will replace it with a positive affirmation of something. Anything.
I think my need to speak is so strong now (after years of not speaking at all, in fact I went all through college without ever joining in a discussion) that I simply HAVE to say something.
But since my habit has become to complain, I must fulfill my need to express myself by complimenting or praising instead.
Keep your fingers crossed for me. Let’s see how it works today.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Day 11
Day 11: Real Time
Day 1: 21 day complaint free jounry
My bracelet finally arrived in the mail during this past week when I was distracted with my dad’s passing.
Actually, I ordered ten bracelets and have several folks who asked for one when they heard about my own 21-day journey to become complaint-free.
I hope they realize what they’re in for. Because I wasn’t.
Yesterday was hard. I spoke at my dad’s funeral, and that was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. It’s not the speaking in public thing that was daunting for me. After all, that’s what I do for a living.
It was standing in front of people I know, stripped emotionally bare. That’s not something I have ever done, and it was humbling. But, my dad deserved to have people who loved him stand up for his particular brand of quiet devotion.
Was I complaint-free, though, as I vowed to be?
Unfortunately not. But do you know what I complained about, before I even realized I had done it?
In the midst of the significance of this event, I was kvetching about details that didn’t matter. At one point on the way to the cemetery, I even heard myself utter condemnations about city government in our town.
How petty. How unimportant. Shallow.
Human. But I can do better. We all can.
In honor of my father this Memorial Day weekend, a Navy veteran of 23 years, as well as those dear to you, let’s remember all those who have served our country, willingly and with valor.
Thanks, Daddy.
Day 1: 21 day complaint free jounry
My bracelet finally arrived in the mail during this past week when I was distracted with my dad’s passing.
Actually, I ordered ten bracelets and have several folks who asked for one when they heard about my own 21-day journey to become complaint-free.
I hope they realize what they’re in for. Because I wasn’t.
Yesterday was hard. I spoke at my dad’s funeral, and that was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. It’s not the speaking in public thing that was daunting for me. After all, that’s what I do for a living.
It was standing in front of people I know, stripped emotionally bare. That’s not something I have ever done, and it was humbling. But, my dad deserved to have people who loved him stand up for his particular brand of quiet devotion.
Was I complaint-free, though, as I vowed to be?
Unfortunately not. But do you know what I complained about, before I even realized I had done it?
In the midst of the significance of this event, I was kvetching about details that didn’t matter. At one point on the way to the cemetery, I even heard myself utter condemnations about city government in our town.
How petty. How unimportant. Shallow.
Human. But I can do better. We all can.
In honor of my father this Memorial Day weekend, a Navy veteran of 23 years, as well as those dear to you, let’s remember all those who have served our country, willingly and with valor.
Thanks, Daddy.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Day 10
Day 10: Real time
Day 2: 21-day Complaint Free Journey
I’ve always believed in pre-emptive strikes. Or as cowboys used to say, “Headin’ em off at the pass.”
In more modern, less militaristic terms, I deal with many problems from a proactive stance.
In other words, I’m a bit of a control freak.
In listening to Will Bowen read his book again, I picked up this time on how many families find themselves sitting in silence as they proceed through the 21-day attempt to be complaint free. They discovered that, unless they were complaining, they had nothing to say to one another.
I was beginning to think it was me. In my earlier life, I was a quiet person who didn’t feel comfortable speaking my mind. I got over that around age 35 and often remark that I haven’t stopped talking since then.
So, for me to purposely refrain from talking is rather disconcerting. But that is what I’ve found myself doing as I take this journey. Something will be about ready to pop out and then I pull it back when I realize it is a complaint of some kind…..and there are many kinds, aren’t there?
We will bury my father today. Such an occasion might lend itself to negativity to those who are inclined to complain, as I have been lately.
I vow this morning to strike any complaints from my comments BEFORE I verbalize them; I'll head 'em off at the pass as I attempt to be proactive in my journey to 21 days of being complaint free.
I will try to move through this day with grace and dignity as we honor a man who lived the same way. I will control my negativity as an homage to him and to the fact that we really don’t have much to complain about when we put it all in perspective.
Day 2: 21-day Complaint Free Journey
I’ve always believed in pre-emptive strikes. Or as cowboys used to say, “Headin’ em off at the pass.”
In more modern, less militaristic terms, I deal with many problems from a proactive stance.
In other words, I’m a bit of a control freak.
In listening to Will Bowen read his book again, I picked up this time on how many families find themselves sitting in silence as they proceed through the 21-day attempt to be complaint free. They discovered that, unless they were complaining, they had nothing to say to one another.
I was beginning to think it was me. In my earlier life, I was a quiet person who didn’t feel comfortable speaking my mind. I got over that around age 35 and often remark that I haven’t stopped talking since then.
So, for me to purposely refrain from talking is rather disconcerting. But that is what I’ve found myself doing as I take this journey. Something will be about ready to pop out and then I pull it back when I realize it is a complaint of some kind…..and there are many kinds, aren’t there?
We will bury my father today. Such an occasion might lend itself to negativity to those who are inclined to complain, as I have been lately.
I vow this morning to strike any complaints from my comments BEFORE I verbalize them; I'll head 'em off at the pass as I attempt to be proactive in my journey to 21 days of being complaint free.
I will try to move through this day with grace and dignity as we honor a man who lived the same way. I will control my negativity as an homage to him and to the fact that we really don’t have much to complain about when we put it all in perspective.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Day 9
Day 9: Real Time
Day 1: 21 Day Complaint Free Journey
I read recently that spirit is in the details. Well, the details did me in. I had to move my bracelet several times.
My ear infection defeated me, both physically and mentally. I’ll just say that it’s better now and I can focus again.
After all, to say any more would be complaining, wouldn’t it?
For those of you who need a reminder, here is what Will Bowen, author of A Complaint Free World, says about the journey:
About 20 years ago, I read a book that said it takes 21 days for a hen’s egg to hatch and, ironically, it also takes 21 days of a person doing a new behavior for it to become a habit. We’ll challenge everyone to put the bracelet on either arm and try to go 21 consecutive days without complaining. If they catch themselves complaining, we’ll encourage them to move the bracelet to the other wrist and begin again....The average person takes 4 to 8 months to successfully make 21 days.
Oh, boy……I'm in for a long ride!
Day 1: 21 Day Complaint Free Journey
I read recently that spirit is in the details. Well, the details did me in. I had to move my bracelet several times.
My ear infection defeated me, both physically and mentally. I’ll just say that it’s better now and I can focus again.
After all, to say any more would be complaining, wouldn’t it?
For those of you who need a reminder, here is what Will Bowen, author of A Complaint Free World, says about the journey:
About 20 years ago, I read a book that said it takes 21 days for a hen’s egg to hatch and, ironically, it also takes 21 days of a person doing a new behavior for it to become a habit. We’ll challenge everyone to put the bracelet on either arm and try to go 21 consecutive days without complaining. If they catch themselves complaining, we’ll encourage them to move the bracelet to the other wrist and begin again....The average person takes 4 to 8 months to successfully make 21 days.
Oh, boy……I'm in for a long ride!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Day 8
Day 8: Real Time
Day 4: 21 day complaint free journey
Funeral arrangements and an ear infection.
And I made it through Day 4!
We went to the funeral home to make the arrangements for my dad's services. The beauty of pre-arrangements was proven today. My mom and dad had been paying on the pre-need contract for years, and it made things immeasureably easier. Also, he will be buried with full military honors in the new veterans cemetery here in our town, and that expense was paid for beginning when he enlisted to serve in WW II. He retired after 23 years in the Navy.
On to topic two: I am thankful there are 24 hour urgent care clinics available nearby, as I'm visiting one within the hour. Enough said.
Who would have thought that the harder things get the easier it would be to remain complaint free? Or maybe it's just me.
I'll check in with you later!
Day 4: 21 day complaint free journey
Funeral arrangements and an ear infection.
And I made it through Day 4!
We went to the funeral home to make the arrangements for my dad's services. The beauty of pre-arrangements was proven today. My mom and dad had been paying on the pre-need contract for years, and it made things immeasureably easier. Also, he will be buried with full military honors in the new veterans cemetery here in our town, and that expense was paid for beginning when he enlisted to serve in WW II. He retired after 23 years in the Navy.
On to topic two: I am thankful there are 24 hour urgent care clinics available nearby, as I'm visiting one within the hour. Enough said.
Who would have thought that the harder things get the easier it would be to remain complaint free? Or maybe it's just me.
I'll check in with you later!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Day 7
Day 7: Real Time
Day 3: 21 day Complaint Free Journey
Life’s events have a way of putting it all in perspective, don’t they?
My 87-year old dad passed away yesterday afternoon while I held his hand.
He was a WW II Navy Veteran who served his country with pride and raised his family as he served.
He came to love country music and country dancing. He and my mother danced their way from their 60s to their 80s, shaming younger people right off the dance floor.
There isn’t much to complain about today…or ever, really, when you put it all in perspective.
It was a difficult day, one of the most difficult of my life. But, it’s strange….I had no need or desire to complain about anything.
God speed, Daddy.
Day 3: 21 day Complaint Free Journey
Life’s events have a way of putting it all in perspective, don’t they?
My 87-year old dad passed away yesterday afternoon while I held his hand.
He was a WW II Navy Veteran who served his country with pride and raised his family as he served.
He came to love country music and country dancing. He and my mother danced their way from their 60s to their 80s, shaming younger people right off the dance floor.
There isn’t much to complain about today…or ever, really, when you put it all in perspective.
It was a difficult day, one of the most difficult of my life. But, it’s strange….I had no need or desire to complain about anything.
God speed, Daddy.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Day Six
Day Six: Real Time
Day Two: 21 Day Complaint Free Journey
I made it through Day Two unscathed! Everyone else did, too.
The distinction between a statement with negative facts and complaining is becoming clearer to me. My daughter is flying to Costa Rica in a few days and we were discussing her flight from Orlando to San Jose. I commented that I don't like to fly any more for several reasons.
"Everything is so small now. The seats are narrow and really close together. My claustrophobia kicks in when I see dozens of seat backs stretching in front of me once I sit down," I said.
And then I stopped talking. The tirade that would have spewed out a few weeks ago died before it was launched.
I also stopped back at the library today and checked out "A Complaint Free World" by Will Bowen again...in both book form and on CD. Reassurance is a wonderful thing.
On to Day Three!
Day Two: 21 Day Complaint Free Journey
I made it through Day Two unscathed! Everyone else did, too.
The distinction between a statement with negative facts and complaining is becoming clearer to me. My daughter is flying to Costa Rica in a few days and we were discussing her flight from Orlando to San Jose. I commented that I don't like to fly any more for several reasons.
"Everything is so small now. The seats are narrow and really close together. My claustrophobia kicks in when I see dozens of seat backs stretching in front of me once I sit down," I said.
And then I stopped talking. The tirade that would have spewed out a few weeks ago died before it was launched.
I also stopped back at the library today and checked out "A Complaint Free World" by Will Bowen again...in both book form and on CD. Reassurance is a wonderful thing.
On to Day Three!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Day Five
Day Five: Real Time
Day One: 21 complaint free days
It’s Friday evening at 6:30 PM and I haven’t complained ALL DAY!
I’m going to bed now.
That's pitiful.
“All you can do is all you can do.” ME
Day One: 21 complaint free days
It’s Friday evening at 6:30 PM and I haven’t complained ALL DAY!
I’m going to bed now.
That's pitiful.
“All you can do is all you can do.” ME
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day Four
Day Four: Real Time
Day One: 21 Day Complaint Free Journey
I was doing so well. I was sashaying through Day Two, feeling proud and getting pretty impressed with myself, thinking I had this all figured out. Until about 4:00 this afternoon.
And then I ran into one of those people who seem to ooze negativity, all the while smiling and acting all sweet. I’ve known several of these people over the course of my life (probably more than several, actually….I’m kind of old). It takes a while to recognize how toxic they are, because they don’t come across grumpy or mean.
After a while, though, you realize that every word out their mouth is a complaint of some kind, and it goes on FOREVER. I’ve kicked several of them to the curb in the past few years. I just don’t need their negative influence in my life.
And then here she was this afternoon, and before I knew it, a complaint jumped out of my mouth before I realized it was ready and waiting. These people create an energy field that sucks us all into its vortex, and there I went!
Back to Day One.
Day One: 21 Day Complaint Free Journey
I was doing so well. I was sashaying through Day Two, feeling proud and getting pretty impressed with myself, thinking I had this all figured out. Until about 4:00 this afternoon.
And then I ran into one of those people who seem to ooze negativity, all the while smiling and acting all sweet. I’ve known several of these people over the course of my life (probably more than several, actually….I’m kind of old). It takes a while to recognize how toxic they are, because they don’t come across grumpy or mean.
After a while, though, you realize that every word out their mouth is a complaint of some kind, and it goes on FOREVER. I’ve kicked several of them to the curb in the past few years. I just don’t need their negative influence in my life.
And then here she was this afternoon, and before I knew it, a complaint jumped out of my mouth before I realized it was ready and waiting. These people create an energy field that sucks us all into its vortex, and there I went!
Back to Day One.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day Three
Day Three: Real Time
Day One: Toward 21 days complaint free
I did it!
I made it through my first totally complaint free day! I want to thank my family and friends, and everyone who helped me along the way…..
Well, maybe that’s a bit dramatic.
But, I do think I appreciate how difficult this is, more so than if I had let myself slide with a few minor complaints. After all, you would never have known, would you?
But I would have known, and I want to do this right.
I caught myself a couple of times today, right on the verge of whining, and pulled back.
Day Two is up tomorrow!
Here’s a question for you as we travel forward toward 21 complaint free days: If I complain in the car while I’m alone, does that count? Kind of like, does a falling tree make a sound in the forest if there’s no one to hear it?
I’m just saying.
________________________________________________________________________________________
“Once you have identified with some form of negativity, you do not want to let go, and on a deeply unconscious level, you do not want positive change. It would threaten your identity as a depressed, angry, or hard-done-by person. You will then ignore, deny or sabotage the positive in your life.” Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now
Day One: Toward 21 days complaint free
I did it!
I made it through my first totally complaint free day! I want to thank my family and friends, and everyone who helped me along the way…..
Well, maybe that’s a bit dramatic.
But, I do think I appreciate how difficult this is, more so than if I had let myself slide with a few minor complaints. After all, you would never have known, would you?
But I would have known, and I want to do this right.
I caught myself a couple of times today, right on the verge of whining, and pulled back.
Day Two is up tomorrow!
Here’s a question for you as we travel forward toward 21 complaint free days: If I complain in the car while I’m alone, does that count? Kind of like, does a falling tree make a sound in the forest if there’s no one to hear it?
I’m just saying.
________________________________________________________________________________________
“Once you have identified with some form of negativity, you do not want to let go, and on a deeply unconscious level, you do not want positive change. It would threaten your identity as a depressed, angry, or hard-done-by person. You will then ignore, deny or sabotage the positive in your life.” Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Day Two
Day Two: Real time
Day One: Complaint Free Journey
When is a statement a complaint, exactly?
I moved my bracelet this morning and started Day One over again. I hoped to make it longer today than I did yesterday, having hardly made it past getting out of bed.
Its tiny bells kept me company as I got settled in one of the offices I work from, and coffee was made. Important things first, but at least I had made it out of the house this time without trashing something or someone. I have gotten good at that lately. (I now know why old people are so grouchy, because I’m one of them.)
Everyone has times in their lives when everything collapses, the walls tumbling down to block out the sun for what seems like forever. I’m in the midst of my own personal rubble right now, and there are truly negative things going on in my life. So, if I talk about them, is that considered complaining?
After my coffee was brewed, I visited with people in the office and brought them up to date on the most pressing matter. These people are empathetic and kind and good listeners, offering to lend a hand if I need it.
After I sat back down at my desk, I caught myself. Had I complained? I thought back over our conversation and really don’t remember taking my statements past the point of telling and tumbling into the realm of trashing.
So, is telling people the negative things…..the REALLY negative things….going on in your life equal to complaining? Maybe it's just that people have enough to worry about without me sharing my trials.
In his book, A Complaint Free World, Will Bowen said that if you aren’t sure if you have complained, you probably have.
So, I think Day One will be with me a little longer.
Day One: Complaint Free Journey
When is a statement a complaint, exactly?
I moved my bracelet this morning and started Day One over again. I hoped to make it longer today than I did yesterday, having hardly made it past getting out of bed.
Its tiny bells kept me company as I got settled in one of the offices I work from, and coffee was made. Important things first, but at least I had made it out of the house this time without trashing something or someone. I have gotten good at that lately. (I now know why old people are so grouchy, because I’m one of them.)
Everyone has times in their lives when everything collapses, the walls tumbling down to block out the sun for what seems like forever. I’m in the midst of my own personal rubble right now, and there are truly negative things going on in my life. So, if I talk about them, is that considered complaining?
After my coffee was brewed, I visited with people in the office and brought them up to date on the most pressing matter. These people are empathetic and kind and good listeners, offering to lend a hand if I need it.
After I sat back down at my desk, I caught myself. Had I complained? I thought back over our conversation and really don’t remember taking my statements past the point of telling and tumbling into the realm of trashing.
So, is telling people the negative things…..the REALLY negative things….going on in your life equal to complaining? Maybe it's just that people have enough to worry about without me sharing my trials.
In his book, A Complaint Free World, Will Bowen said that if you aren’t sure if you have complained, you probably have.
So, I think Day One will be with me a little longer.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day One
DAY ONE: Real time
DAY ONE: Countdown to 21 complaint free days.
Yesterday I wandered into my local import store and found a temporary bracelet to begin my "complaint free" journey. I'm afraid to wait too long....my attention span has shortened recently and I don't want to lose my enthusiasm.
It's yellow and orange, one of those bracelets made of thread wrapped tightly around some kind of form. But the best part: It has bells sewn onto it! Anyone who knows me knows that I love bells and chimes, anything that rings (except phones...I'm not a fan of talking on those and they have to ring in order to get started down that path.) But my new bracelet is pretty and it makes gentle noises as I move.
Then something strange happened. I slowly took it out of the bag in the car and stared at it, like it was going to spring into life on its own. And I realized I was afraid to put it on. Once I did I was committed. I stuffed it back in the bag and drove home.
I eventually did put it on late yesterday afternoon, a Sunday with a lot of things going on in my life. And I did really good with my complaining! That doesn't sound right. I mean I didn't complain for the rest of the day. (The fact that I was alone for most of it has nothing to do with my success...really.)
I took it off when I got ready for bed, and laid it on my dresser. No springing to life, no jumping and running off like a character in a Pixar movie. It just sat there waiting for morning.
Did I mention that the Survivor finale was on last night? I guess I should have, because my friend in Orlando and I were on the phone first thing this morning gossiping about Russell. (You have to watch...I couldn't possibly catch you up on that!) And, suddenly, I realized that my heart was pounding and my agitation level had taken flight!
I was complaining! And as I have realized recently, my complaining takes on a life of its own once I get going....and going....and going.
I had blown Day One before I had even put the bracelet back on!
But I wore it all day anyway, and tried desperately to redeem myself. But it goes on the opposite wrist tommorrow, and Day One begins again.
Kind of like "Groundhog Day."
DAY ONE: Countdown to 21 complaint free days.
Yesterday I wandered into my local import store and found a temporary bracelet to begin my "complaint free" journey. I'm afraid to wait too long....my attention span has shortened recently and I don't want to lose my enthusiasm.
It's yellow and orange, one of those bracelets made of thread wrapped tightly around some kind of form. But the best part: It has bells sewn onto it! Anyone who knows me knows that I love bells and chimes, anything that rings (except phones...I'm not a fan of talking on those and they have to ring in order to get started down that path.) But my new bracelet is pretty and it makes gentle noises as I move.
Then something strange happened. I slowly took it out of the bag in the car and stared at it, like it was going to spring into life on its own. And I realized I was afraid to put it on. Once I did I was committed. I stuffed it back in the bag and drove home.
I eventually did put it on late yesterday afternoon, a Sunday with a lot of things going on in my life. And I did really good with my complaining! That doesn't sound right. I mean I didn't complain for the rest of the day. (The fact that I was alone for most of it has nothing to do with my success...really.)
I took it off when I got ready for bed, and laid it on my dresser. No springing to life, no jumping and running off like a character in a Pixar movie. It just sat there waiting for morning.
Did I mention that the Survivor finale was on last night? I guess I should have, because my friend in Orlando and I were on the phone first thing this morning gossiping about Russell. (You have to watch...I couldn't possibly catch you up on that!) And, suddenly, I realized that my heart was pounding and my agitation level had taken flight!
I was complaining! And as I have realized recently, my complaining takes on a life of its own once I get going....and going....and going.
I had blown Day One before I had even put the bracelet back on!
But I wore it all day anyway, and tried desperately to redeem myself. But it goes on the opposite wrist tommorrow, and Day One begins again.
Kind of like "Groundhog Day."
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Bracelet or no.....
"So, how's it going?"
My mouth opens, my mind kicks into response mode, and then.....I can't speak.
Well, I COULD speak, but the complaints would come quickly, one pouring out on top of the first, no breaks, just misery pooled there in front of us.
My bracelet from the Complaint Free World organization hasn't arrived yet, but that hasn't stopped me from curbing my enthusiasm for my own complaining. That enthusiasm has recently become evident even to me, to the point where I knew I had become tedious and whiny.
Not that I haven't had reason to whine, but that's the whole point, isn't it? We each have burdens to carry, often real and heavy, but complaining about them to those who have no control over or interest in resolving them is annoying at the very least.
So, my behavior has changed, even without the bracelet. I might go to the local party store today and get an interim circelet for my wrist, but I have made some strides in the right direction without it. I'll keep you posted on that.
We envision a positive shift in our world's consciousness.
We see a day when people focus on and speak about what they desire things to be rather than complaining about how things are.
We will provide Complaint Free purple bracelets and inspiration such that 60 million people (1% of the world's population) leave the toxic communication of complaining behind and experience an internal shift toward being more positive, hopeful and optimistic.
Every day, people interact with dozens if not hundreds of others. Our helping shift the attitudes of as little as 1% of humanity cannot help but have a ripple effect which will become a cascade of positivity around the world bringing about greater harmony, understanding, prosperity and peace.
From http://acomplaintfreeworld.org
My mouth opens, my mind kicks into response mode, and then.....I can't speak.
Well, I COULD speak, but the complaints would come quickly, one pouring out on top of the first, no breaks, just misery pooled there in front of us.
My bracelet from the Complaint Free World organization hasn't arrived yet, but that hasn't stopped me from curbing my enthusiasm for my own complaining. That enthusiasm has recently become evident even to me, to the point where I knew I had become tedious and whiny.
Not that I haven't had reason to whine, but that's the whole point, isn't it? We each have burdens to carry, often real and heavy, but complaining about them to those who have no control over or interest in resolving them is annoying at the very least.
So, my behavior has changed, even without the bracelet. I might go to the local party store today and get an interim circelet for my wrist, but I have made some strides in the right direction without it. I'll keep you posted on that.
We envision a positive shift in our world's consciousness.
We see a day when people focus on and speak about what they desire things to be rather than complaining about how things are.
We will provide Complaint Free purple bracelets and inspiration such that 60 million people (1% of the world's population) leave the toxic communication of complaining behind and experience an internal shift toward being more positive, hopeful and optimistic.
Every day, people interact with dozens if not hundreds of others. Our helping shift the attitudes of as little as 1% of humanity cannot help but have a ripple effect which will become a cascade of positivity around the world bringing about greater harmony, understanding, prosperity and peace.
From http://acomplaintfreeworld.org
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Will my bracelet EVER get here??
Oh, wait...that's a complaint, isn't it.
This is going to be hard.
A few weeks ago I checked out a book on CD when I made a long distance car trip. The book was "A Complaint Free World," by Will Bowen. I knew nothing about the author or the book...it just looked interesting on the shelf, so off we went.
I was transfixed. What WOULD the world be like if everyone stopped complaining? Can we even envision such a thing?
This topic might have subliminally attracted me because I had begun to hear my own whining. I have been a generally positive, upbeat person...until the past year or so. Life has taken some difficult turns for me, and 2010 has been...well, a nightmare so far.
But we all have our burdens, and mine are no bigger or more important than yours. I just had taken to complaining A LOT about mine. I was depressing myself and I'm sure those around me haven't been having any fun, either.
So, I thought, why not? COULD I go 21 days without complaining? Could YOU?
The program rests on the bracelet you put on your wrist for the next 21 days. If you do a whole day without complaining, you leave it on that wrist. BUT, if you complain about something...OOPS! The bracelet is moved to the other wrist and you start all over again. Even if you made it to day 20 and slip...back it goes to the other wrist and back to day 1.
Will Bowen discusses what complaining is and what it isn't. Yes, you stand up for yourself, but only to the person or people who can fix the problem and you only state the facts.
Example:
"My soup is cold. Could you bring me another dish that is hot?" No ugly tone, no personal attack, and you are asking the server who can do this for you.
"My soup is ice cold! Does everyone want to taste this horrible concoction?! Waiter, you idiot! Take this back and throw it out the back door and then bring me something decent to eat! NOW!!" THAT'S complaining.
I think you get the drift.
I ordered my bracelet and will take you along on my journey as soon as it arrives. (Apologies to Mr. Bowen, but you could do this without THEIR bracelet, I'm sure. Those rubber wrist bands are for sale everywhere. I just want to support their effort...I think it's a worthy one.)
Visit www.acomplaintfreeworld.org for more information. I'll share some of it as we walk this road together.
Stay tuned!
This is going to be hard.
A few weeks ago I checked out a book on CD when I made a long distance car trip. The book was "A Complaint Free World," by Will Bowen. I knew nothing about the author or the book...it just looked interesting on the shelf, so off we went.
I was transfixed. What WOULD the world be like if everyone stopped complaining? Can we even envision such a thing?
This topic might have subliminally attracted me because I had begun to hear my own whining. I have been a generally positive, upbeat person...until the past year or so. Life has taken some difficult turns for me, and 2010 has been...well, a nightmare so far.
But we all have our burdens, and mine are no bigger or more important than yours. I just had taken to complaining A LOT about mine. I was depressing myself and I'm sure those around me haven't been having any fun, either.
So, I thought, why not? COULD I go 21 days without complaining? Could YOU?
The program rests on the bracelet you put on your wrist for the next 21 days. If you do a whole day without complaining, you leave it on that wrist. BUT, if you complain about something...OOPS! The bracelet is moved to the other wrist and you start all over again. Even if you made it to day 20 and slip...back it goes to the other wrist and back to day 1.
Will Bowen discusses what complaining is and what it isn't. Yes, you stand up for yourself, but only to the person or people who can fix the problem and you only state the facts.
Example:
"My soup is cold. Could you bring me another dish that is hot?" No ugly tone, no personal attack, and you are asking the server who can do this for you.
"My soup is ice cold! Does everyone want to taste this horrible concoction?! Waiter, you idiot! Take this back and throw it out the back door and then bring me something decent to eat! NOW!!" THAT'S complaining.
I think you get the drift.
I ordered my bracelet and will take you along on my journey as soon as it arrives. (Apologies to Mr. Bowen, but you could do this without THEIR bracelet, I'm sure. Those rubber wrist bands are for sale everywhere. I just want to support their effort...I think it's a worthy one.)
Visit www.acomplaintfreeworld.org for more information. I'll share some of it as we walk this road together.
Stay tuned!
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