Yep, you read right. Quit your bitching. It’s a guaranteed way to improve both your mood and the moods of those who have to listen to you speak.
But hold on..
I’m not talking about the big stuff, about which we’re not only allowed but encouraged to talk : death, divorce, depression, bankruptcy, imprisonment, injury. We all get free passes on the big stuff, every time, and rightfully so.
However:
We are all stressed out.
We all have aches and pains.
Everyone experiences disappointment.
By the law of averages, the person next to you is unhappy just as frequently as you. Does that mean that they want to hear all about your daily bitchlist? Let’s answer that with another question : Do you want to hear all about theirs? (I’m guessing that the answer is ‘no’, or we’d have more television shows dedicated to folks just sitting there, complaining endlessly about mundane topics such as expired yogurt, long red lights, and the poor state of our neighbors’ lawns.
What good does it do the general consciousness to unfetter ourselves at every opportunity – splash our bile and venom on unsuspecting bystanders, loved ones and friends? Yes, ‘processing’ is healthy, and so is ‘venting’…if done in moderation, just like every other damn thing on the planet, barring love and spankings probably.
Let’s all try an exercise together, shall we? What, you have something better to do? Something to lose in the endeavor? Nope? Okay, moving on.
It’s called ‘Happy’.
I know, genius right? And I came up with it all by myself! Let’s try to be Happy.
Happy when we wake up (because we DID, in fact, wake up), happy when we shower (because we have all that hot water), happy when we drive to work (because we are lucky enough to be employed in a first world country), happy when we drive home (because we’re lucky enough to have one of those too, no matter which zipcode it’s in), and happy to lie our heads on the pillow every night (because we survived another one).
Every day – hell, every hour! – will give each and every one of us the opportunity to bitch about it or make it our bitch…which are you going to choose?
– Dana
Also known as “gratitude!”
(amen)
Just because it’s in my nature to be ornery/contrary, etc, etc I will have to split the difference here.
I am very grateful for my friends and restored great health. I’m also very grateful I landed a job which is very suitable for my skills and interests. We have MANY perks including an hour early dismissal for every pre holiday time off. That meant today I was allowed to leave at 3pm. My bus was due at the same time and was either a no show or came early because I was there at 2:55. The next one due showed up at 3:40 and the ride lasted until 5:15. I was NOT a happy commuter at this point and my expression showed that.
Yes. I vocalized a curse word or three!
It’s not about being contrary, Kelly, it’s about how many people you tell about it. I’m contrary as all hell, but – at least most of the time – endeavor to keep that crap to myself, as it does nobody any good (including me) to go on and on about it.
You’re entitled to those momentary outbursts, though; at least to my mind, those are usually healthy.
I was just thinking the same thing while browsing Facebook. It’s weird to me how people think that if they are having a rough day they should let the world of social media know about it. It’s so much better to write your thoughts in a journal that can be burned at a later date ;)
(another amen!)
:-( I am Trying and as you may have noticed I have not Bombed you with my Poor me in a Month or Two! :-D
Ok OK I did get grumpy a couple times and you reminded me how Painful life can and will be if that attitude does not keep improving :-)
So I can say you would and will be very happy with my next report as the Shed is about done and I am making Three nice paddles and a Martinet for a lady in Philly who has my blister bottom at heart!
Thank Yon for the encouragement and Love :-* Hugs
Keep trying dear. It really is all about attitude.
Lately I have been happy for each day I can sit comfortably! ;)
Excellent reason for happiness Anon!
They have the world’s tiny violin! Sometimes all of us go there, nice little reminder that no matter how bad we think we’ve got it, there is ALWAYS someone else who is worst off than us! ALWAYS!!!
Besides, once we are really happy with what we have, our lives seem to just get even better.
I agree 100% Lynn. We all have entirely too much to be thankful for to be spending our time complaining. xoox
Darn! I was just in the mood for some serious complaining, too.
I’m happy to help you find reasons to complain, Raymond. Sore bottom good enough reason? How about a soapy mouth, hmm?…
You’re always happy to give me a sore bottom and soaped mouth, Dana. I wouldn’t dare complain, though.