Yesterday I missed an inbound BART train by less than ten seconds. The words, "Oh I just hate it when..." sprang into my mind. I paused and turned complaint into thanks for the sunset I was getting to see.
Complaining is draining. Think about your friends for a minute. I'm sure you have one or two, who after hanging out with, you just feel exhausted. What do they talk about?
Now think back to a recent social gathering. Notice how people are apt to fill that awkward, uncomfortable silence that springs up between two people who've just met but aren't sure what to talk about with complaints? It's easy to. The weather's been miserable lately. Traffic is horrible. There's never any parking.
I've been that person. I've been trying to be more conscious of both negative thoughts and negative conversations. Hence why I replace complaints with thanks even in my own head.
One of my friends, who's always a joy to be around and whose presence always leaves me energized, started The No Complaining Project. She provides free resources on recognizing what is and isn't a complaint. If you're looking for resolutions for 2013, ending complaining and taking time to be grateful is a good one.
Who or what are you grateful for?
If you're thankful someone is in your life, have you told them today? While you think they know you're appreciative of what they do, hearing it from you may make their day.
Ciao Bella!
Eden
