August 4, 2010 Is Complaining Getting in the Way of Your Happiness?
Photo by aturkus.
I think most people probably complain more than they realize. I know I do. We take the good things for granted. When something positive happens, we think that’s how life “should” be, so we don’t give it much attention. If something is really good, we may notice for a little longer, but the thrill wears off. But what about when something goes wrong? The littlest thing can seem to throw the whole day off. For example…how upset would you be if you burned your breakfast? Now, how happy would you be if you didn’t? You probably wouldn’t even notice, right?
As I said, I’m not immune to this problem. In fact, I might be worse than most. I am not proud to admit that I was nominated for “biggest complainer” in high school (No, I didn’t “win.” Actually, I was nominated for biggest complainer, most likely to succeed, and most gullible…an unusual assortment, but who am I to complain? 
) I really didn’t understand why I was honored with this nomination. But maybe, just maybe, I might have deserved it; the other day, David asked me if I ever run out of things to complain about. Hmm…
I came across this blog post a few days ago A Challenge for You: Can You Stop Complaining for 24 Hours?, and it was just too perfect to pass up blogging about myself. Can I stop complaining for 24 hours? Can you? The blog author suggests doing it for a whole week! This may be an impossible challenge…
Stopping a bad habit is always challenging. One of the best things you can do to help is to replace it with a good habit. Doing something is always easier than doing nothing. In this instance, the author suggests replacing your complaining habit with a gratitude habit. This has a sound basis in research; consciously acknowledging the positives each day is a technique that has proven helpful in treating depression. This doesn’t mean pretending that bad things are good, but actually acknowledging the things that are good. There’s a “gratitude log” on the blog to fill out to help you with your challenge. You should check it out.
So here’s the challenge:
- Stop complaining
- Keep a gratitude log. Review it 4 times a day.
Let me (and the original blog author) know how it goes!
Tags: challenge, gratitude, healthy in Houston, improve mood, stop complainin
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- Posted under My Quest, Wellness
