At my weekly Rotary meeting, several folks greeted me by asking how I fared.  I can’t complain, I told each of them.  I then explained why.

I can’t complain because I’ve committed to living complaint-free.  They each laughed, at first; then got out their smart phones to enter “myyearwithoutcomplaining.com” into their browsers.  Wow, said one of them.  You weren’t kidding.

I’m not yet completely deft at not-complaining.  I find myself back-pedaling in little speeches to people who have not quite met my expectations.  Expectations!  Letting go of “expectations” in my inter-personal relationships heads the list of not-yet-there.

Yesterday, a judge remarked on my attitude by suggesting that his 23-year-old son might benefit from reading my blog.  Heck, I benefit from reading my blog!  I smile; I chuckle; I remind myself of each stepping stone in the road that I’ve chosen to walk.

If you’re here within the sound of my voice, know this:

Surrendering complaint does not mean “settling” for short-shrift.  I got on the phone yesterday and had a heartfelt dialogue with the supervisor of the optical department of my opthalmologist’s office.  She understood my concerns without my having to use harsh language.  I do backslide, but I hear the whine in my voice and the judgment in my words, and I change the way I speak.  I have not perfected this but I have not ceased trying.

I’ve been told that I’m not an “easy” person.  That might be so.  I am passionate.  I’ve had to slog my way through piles of adversity.  My hard edges softened only late in life.  I’m not complaining, because where there is life, there is room for change.

Happy Friday, my friends.  Today is the 6th Annual Suite 100 Holiday Open House, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., 4010 Washington, Suite 100, KC MO.  If you’re in KC, please join us!  We have  a  Harvester’s Food Pantry collection barrel on site, so consider bringing a nonperishable food item for the cause.  Put on a smile!  We’ve lovely art to view by photographers Anya Ivantseva and Albane-Ruiz-Campagn.  Good food, good friends, wine poured by Waldo Brookside Rotarians with a tip jar for the charitable efforts of my Rotary Club — all await you @ Suite 100!

Have a joyful weekend, wherever you are, whatever you do. Be well.

The party starts in our lobby, today at 5:00 p.m.!