I sit and listen to people tell me their troubles, in ones, in twos, in groups. I air my own grievances and feel the pushback — wait, be still, does this pressure come from inside?
The bruised rib — no, I don’t think it’s broken but I have not had time to call the doctor. The pains in my left arm — is that a myth? or my heart? But then the messages come about other people’s disasters and I shake my head, wrap my arms a little tighter and remind myself: You’re not supposed to be complaining, remember?
I feel myself sliding, losing my balance, skittering close to the edge. I grasp, flailing behind me for a handhold. Once I utter the first complaint, it’s a slippery slope to the ruination of nineteen months of progress. I’m holding on; I’m holding on.
You have slipped and slided before and have not lost your compass or your goal. You will know that you have succeeded, when you can let loose a complaint or a series of complaints, then return to your good, evolved, non-complaining self.
There are some things that require a “never again” stance. Complaining, is not one of them. Take a deep breath and ‘CHOOSE’ to toss out a small or large complaint or not. I think that is your gauge to success. jk
Joyce, I know you and I disagree on whether complaining can be eliminated. I strive to be as close to zero as possible. But you are very charitable to me and I appreciate it!