Lately I've been realizing how much I've been complaining. And ya know what? It's WAY too much. I used to be known as the girl who never complained and was always positive, but I'm not so sure people know me as that anymore.
So instead of wallowing in self-loathing, I've decided to do something about it. So here are three ways to complain less and enjoy today more...
1. Write it out.
Journaling is a great way to get perspective without throwing your dark cloud on someone else's day. I find when I write things in my journal I try to find the best way to write out my life without sounding like a crazy lady. It often helps me get perspective. Don't want future generations to read about it? Type it up and delete it. Write it out on paper and shred it or rip it up. But putting things into words for just you can be incredibly therapeutic. You could also make a list of things you are a grateful for!
2. Take a 10 minute time out.
Wanting to tweet about your awful day? Set your phone down and take 10 minutes to yourself. Meditate, take a 10 minute bath, crack open a can of Diet Coke, look up inspirational quotes. Do whatever it is that helps pull you out of a funk. Sometimes I need a good 45 minutes away from everyone and everything. Sometimes I tell my friends that I just need some time alone or I'll say and do things I regret. People are generally pretty respectful of that and are usually impressed that you have that kind of self-control.
3. Serve!!
I am a huge advocate that the best way to realize how blessed you are is to give of yourself to others. I love this list of Random Acts of Kindness. Take a bit of your time/energy to give something to someone else. Encourage someone, call your mother, write an Operation Beautiful note. Just get yourself OUT of yourself. You'll be so busy worrying about others you won't have time to complain ;)
The truth is, complaining does NOT make us feel better. It seems like an immediate relief, as humans we tend to put ourselves in the victim's chair. We want our life to look worse than others. Why? I don't really know. But long term, being a positive force in a negative world will help you enjoy today even more than complaining ever will.
What are your tips for complaining less?
8 comments:
Fantastic post! I absolutely love this!!
What a great list!! That's on my list of things not to do in 2014. I can complain all day lol!
Journaling has always been one of the best ways for me to gain perspective. Good list!
I love this. Blogging is my outlet and so is good old fashioned sitcom or reality televison. If I see their problems mine dont seem as bad. :-)
Love this, gorgeous!
Great post! I am around people who complain all of the time & I have to be careful or it rubs off on me! It's easy to pick up, that's for sure ;)
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I love this. I think it's so easy to spout off a rant to someone, but I find that you're so right: it actually doesn't make me feel better to complain! Sometimes I'll kind of joke about it and say to my husband, "Insert rant about (fill in the blank)." That way I've mentioned that I'm annoyed but haven't gone into it. It helps sometimes :) Linking over from Boone + Owl. Hope you're having a great day!
Service is always my most favorite way. For everything. Complaining Less. Loving More. Being happier. It solves (almost) everything! haha. THanks for this, cute girl!
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