Day 125

Day 125: Real Time

A new day

Day 21: 21 Day Complaint Free Journey                   


Well, it’s been a ride, hasn’t it?

125 days ago, on May 17, I slid my bracelet on my wrist and accepted the challenge to go 21 consecutive days without complaining.

Today I reached DAY 21.

During the 125 days, my father died and I joined a faith community….both on the same day.

During the 125 days, I withstood threats to my livelihood by a huge bureaucracy that got entangled in their own paperwork and silliness, and I wasn’t paid for nearly 4 months.

During the 125 days, I went to work for another huge company (to try to make up for the situation mentioned above) and was reminded that appearances don't always tell the true story.

During the 125 days, I faced some of the most difficult days as a parent, and my child is 26 years old.

During the 125 days, I once made it all the way to Day 17 without complaining, a gripe slipped out, and I had to retreat to Day 1 again.

And again.

And again.

This journey has been one of the hardest I have ever taken, and I’ve taken some hard paths before, believe me. I’ve learned more about myself than I ever anticipated, and I know I am a better person for it. Will I never complain again? I’m better but I’m not stupid. Of course, I will. But it will be less than before, and that’s all I can ask of myself.

Many of you have encouraged me every step of this very difficult way, and I thank you for it from the bottom of my heart. You know who you are. I also had to step away from other people who were injecting only toxicity in my life, and I hate that I  had to let them go. But perhaps we're all better off for it. Friendships sometimes run their course and we must acknowledge and honor that, before all the memories are poisonous, too.

Thank you, too, to Will Bowen for writing the book that inspired me to be a better version of me. (I'm sure my friends and family thank you, too!)

I can see now that some people might face this challenge willingly, yet never make it. I wouldn’t be surprised, nor would I judge them. It is still worth it to try. Your life will never be the same.

If you don’t understand that, take the challenge yourself.

I’ll be your mentor.