One day I'm complaining about the weather then the next day may be a similar day of weather and I'm enjoying it. My mood dictates my complaining.
I've been documenting my successes and difficulties of no complaining for the month of December. My complaining hasn't reduced that much; I wish that I could report that it has, but I must be honest.
The positive that has come from this challenge is my ability to not connect with my complaining. I am learning to allow my external and internal complaints to happen, but not let it dictate my feelings.
In my last "No Complaining" update I talked about how I complained to a fellow co-worker about my lack of pay. We all want just a little more. What I noticed from watching the complaint pop out was my lack of attachment to it. I care that I don't make as much money as I would like, but I'm reducing its ability to dictate how I feel.
Andy Rooney and Politicians
I've been watching Andy Rooney on 60 Minutes, who is one big complainer. He whines about his watches, hand bags, and everything else in his life. His complaining has made him millions of dollars. He even complained because 60 Minutes gave him a watch with no numbers on it. The audience just chuckles at his observations.
He whines and gets rewarded. It's because of his tone. If he whined without including a bit of humor to his voice no one would watch him.
The same goes for politicians. The weaker party always whines about the party in power. They do this to keep bringing awareness to the issues. Eventually people take notice when government inadequacies affect them. The weaker party can say, "We've been saying that for the past two years."
We don't notice this as complaining because they do it with authority. They make a claim and shout it to the world. The anger masks the complaining as a strength instead of a weakness.
The Silver Lining of Complaining
Most people in my life whine for the sake of whining, but never look for a silver lining. They just point out what's wrong with a situation, but do nothing with this information. I don't mind a bit of complaining if it's lined with something funny, makes a good point or creates a compelling reason to take action.
On my way home I noticed my complaining kicking in during my commute home... again. But this time I wasn't attached to the pain. I noticed these feelings then thought about eating dinner with Nikki and posting this blog post. Weaving the direction of my complaints into a positive feeling or letting it spur me into action has done wonders for my happiness.
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Hi Karl - Andy Rooney is funny, isn't he?
I'm don't complain much, but when I catch myself, I do what you did and let my thoughts spur me to take action. Before I know it, I forget all about that which bothered was bothering me.
Barbara Swafford - Blogging Without A Blog's last blog post..Twitter - Social Media’s Hidden Gem
Karl I love the enhanced awareness that this experiment is giving you. It sounds like you are changing even in the midst of still complaining. Interesting indeed. I once tried to live 24 hours as Jesus Christ would have lived. I think I made it all of 30 minutes. 🙂
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work's last blog post..Five Tools to Sharpen Your Authentic Edge
Hi Barbara, I love a good two minutes of Andy Rooney. I like his complaining. He does it to investigate the situation and hopefully create change.
When I find myself complaining, I attempt to stop myself up short and analysis the situation...is my complaining solving anything? or just getting wind into my words? I usually find that I am really tired and I should take a rest/break or call for reinforcements.
I rather shout out complaints when my honey and family do not hear me and I have repeated myself so many times...when I hear myself shouting I truly have to call a halt and evaluated - 'cause what I am doing is just fanning a breeze and getting no results.
Thanks for the interesting ideas and this topic
Hi Tom, I feel like I've progressed so much faster because I've put myself under the microscope. It's been worth the effort.
Hi Patricia, that's the best thing to do, take a breather, let it pass so you can move on to better things.
Good point Karl - while eliminating complaining sounds like a good thing - there can also be reasons to really complain - especially if that complaining is followed up with some action to make a change. This is productive, and good. And a good point to remember - that action here is what makes all the difference.
And...a little complaining mixed in with humor (the Andy Rooney variety is excellent) - can be a fun way to complain and have some fun with it - and done lightheartedly, isn't so bad...
I'm continuing to enjoy this series very much Karl, it gets me thinking each time...
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