Tag Archives: Gratitude

I’m Not Complaining!

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Nope, I’m not complaining.

Well, maybe I am.

No, I’m not.

Okay, you caught me. Yes, I’m complaining.

Although I’m not speaking about complaining in the sense that something was underdelivered or overpromised, as if my hamburger was still mooing on the plate or charred to perfection like an overcooked hockey puck.

Even if that were the case, I’m not certain it ever feels good to complain. Do we really enjoy listening to one another complain all the time?

So why do we do it? Why do we allow ourselves to be sucked in by something so destructive, when all it seems to do is tear us down?

Well, it could be we don’t feel well. I sure know what that’s like. I seem to have caught the cold of the century. Almost everyone has had it or is presently consumed by it. It just won’t go away.

Or perhaps someone incited a negative thought. Check! Been there, done that.

Or unrealistic expectations may also provoke a feeling of pessimism.

Uh, do we really have to talk about this?

If we’re truly tired of hearing ourselves whine and moan, than maybe we do.

You see, when we complain, what we’re really saying is we’re not happy with the way things are.

Maybe we’re not happy with ourselves. Maybe we’re not happy with others. It doesn’t really matter. Because for the most part, this “thing” is something we are unable to control. Yes, there are some things in life that are beyond our control. And for those control freaks out there, myself included, it is the one “thing” that can drive us nuts!

But there is something we can control. That is our perspective. We, and only we, control what we choose to focus on. So every time this underhanded need to complain bubbles forth, we can make the conscious effort to change our attitude and how we view “things”.

And it will also help us gain a greater sense of gratitude.

Gratitude.

Now there’s an interesting word.

It is a feeling of acknowledgment that one has received or will receive something to their benefit. It is an emotion that expresses thankfulness for what we have. It is an attitude that will generate acceptance and appreciation.

When we adopt this outlook, we are less likely to become frustrated, stressed and overwhelmed. We seize the opportunity to feel empowered rather than disempowered.

In a nutshell, we’re less apt to complain.

And that thought inspires me.

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Forget the cold. Forget the negativity. Forget unrealistic expectations. I want to remain grateful. Grateful for my family. Grateful for my friends. Grateful for this day, this new year, no matter the uncertainty it will bring.

But I’m not complaining.

Well, maybe I am.

No, I’m not.

How about you? Do you feel like the grass is always greener? Is it easy for you to fall into the sinister throws of complaining? If so, what do you do to stop the cycle? And what are you grateful for?
 
Cheers everyone! I hope that life is treating you well. And, as always, thank you so much for all your support and wonderful comments!
Karen

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R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Just a Little Bit…

You all remember this picture, right?
 
      
 

 
 

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade?
 

Well, after last week’s post on West Nile and having received some very kind and healing words from you all—thank you very much by the way—it made me think.
 

Uh-oh, I know that might sound dangerous!
 

I began to think about just how much everyone seems to be dealing with these days.
 

When we engage in conversation or a relationship via the internet, we tend to put our best foot forward. It, the internet, becomes a comfortable screen that we may hide behind. After all, no one can see us. What we say represents who we are. So we hope.
 

But what we don’t know, and cannot know because of this unique realm of invisibility is—how is the other person who we are conversing with? They may sound chipper and happy, perhaps even supportive. Yet, what things in their life have they experienced or are currently experiencing and how are they coping?
 

First of all, think about what you’ve all accomplished over a relatively short time.
 

There are a great number of you who are experiencing pretty amazing things in your life. Some have already published books and are on the road to success. Meanwhile, you’re Writing, Blogging, Tweeting and well, let’s just say that you’ve become very social. 🙂
 

Congratulations to you all!
 

And then there are the rest of us that are right behind you. This is such an exciting time!
 

However, some of you are pulling double or triple duty. You’re working, parenting, writing and publishing. You’re involved in the many extra-curricular activities that revolve around your children or aged parents. You’re also cooking, cleaning, washing, shopping and again, writing.
 

You all need an award!
 

But then there are the other things. You know, the things that we may keep to ourselves not wanting to share the burden with anyone else. Yes, the personal stuff. After all, we must keep up appearances, mustn’t we?
 

Let’s face it. Life happens. Yes life and the many things that happen out of our normal routine. Yet, how do we get through it? Ah, that’s the piece of the puzzle that seems to be different for each and every one of us. And because of that difference, that’s when we need to apply that little word from above—Respect. If we apply a little respect to the other person, it gives them dignity and makes it pretty hard for us to judge one another.
 

I want you to know that y’all are awesome about this! After last week I just want to give you guys a big hug!
 

Think about it. Had I not blogged about my experience with a life threatening virus, would you all have known about it? Probably not. Yet there are so many of you who have also dealt with serious issues such as the death of a loved one, a severe health issue, a divorce, a family crisis, a financial crises, the loss of a home, the loss of a job, burn-out, depression and the list goes on.
 

What, you thought that I was the only one who’s had problems?
 

So what can we do?
 

Show one another Respect. You know, what Aretha sang about. And no, I will not be singing to ya! Okay, maybe just a little bit.
 

Here’s a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T:
 

Relevant- Each an every one of us is important. Each of us plays a key role in another’s life besides our own.
 

Esteem- Admire and appreciate one another. We need to give ourselves value and overall worth.
 

Sense- If you get a feeling from someone that something is wrong, be supportive. Look for ways in which you can give added strength.
 

Prize- We are each exceptional, desirable individuals. There is no competition here. We all have something special to offer.
 

Enjoyment- Every one of us possess the ability to entertain and give others a sense of immense joy and happiness.
 

Cherish- Cultivate long-lasting affection and care to family and friends.
 

Tribute- Acknowledge others with generous gratitude and appreciation.
 
 

With much gratitude and affection I want to thank you all for your support!
 
 

So what do you think? Have you been overwhelmed lately? Has life thrown you a curve? Are you suffering from burn-out? What have you found helpful to replenish your energy and focus? What time do you make for the more important things in your life? What has helped you to feel grateful and full of appreciation?
 
 
 

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