Quitcherbitchin’
Posted by Gail | Filed under Life Lessons
People can be such whiners. It doesn’t matter what they have good going on in their lives, it’s all about what’s missing. Lord love a duck! When are we going to stop complaining and start taking responsibility for the lives we say we want?
Don’t believe me? Over the next 24 hours, count how many times you complain about something: the price is too high, the weather’s too hot or too cold or too rainy, your shoes are bruising your feet, you have a headache, you have too much to do, your children are messy, your partner’s a jerk, your MIL is a miserable old bat, your sister is being unreasonable…. Hey I could go on ad nauseum. Do it. Count.
Complaining has become so much the norm that there’s actually a movement afoot to help people become more ware of just how much they’re doing it. The Rev. Will Bowen launched an innovative campaign to convince people around the world to stop their gossiping and complaining. He distributes purple bracelets for people to wear and when you catch yourself saying something negative, you have to move it from one wrist to the other. The goal: to see just how long you can keep that little purple bracelet on one wrist. Since the good Rev gave out his first 250 wristbands at his church in Kansas, the anti-complaining movement has become a worldwide phenomenon with 6 million bracelets being shipped.
I’m starting today. I’ve got myself a bright blue elastic band and I’m going to see just how long I can go with it on my left wrist, and how many times I end up moving it. I figure that simply becoming conscious of how often I kvetch is the first step to stopping. After all, bitchin’ and happiness can hardly ever exist in the same space (although there have been times when a good rant has made me feel MUCH better.) I think the trick is not to complain unconsciously. Rather, if you recognize that you’re complaining you can stop and ask yourself if you would rather complain or be happy.
Want to come with me on a (almost) complaint-free, happier life? Find some way to get yourself to notice each time you complain or unnecessarily criticize. This includes judging others, getting pissed at people or events, and the general whining we do so unconciously. Each time you catch yourself complaining, stop and pay attention to it. Then ask yourself this question: Is there anything I can do about what I’m complaining about, or it outside of my control?
If there is something you can actually can do about what you complaining about, quitcherbitchin’ and do it! If there’s nothing you can do, it’s beyond your control, then breathe and let it go.
I’ve lived and worked with people for whom complaining is an addiction. It’s never about the doughnut, it’s always about the hole. And chronic complaining is a tough habit to break. It takes time, focus and determination. I’m not sure I’m made of the stuff it would take to live completely complaint-free. That’s okay. Less complaining leaves more room for gratitude and joy. That’s where I’m headed. Wanna come?
July 16, 2010 at 6:49 am
An interesting Idea Gail. Maybe this is something my wife and I need to do. I heard about the program years ago on T.V. and never gave it much thought.
Complaining less would be good for my soul.
regards,
Jason
July 16, 2010 at 6:59 am
A little while ago I started what I call my frustration project. Every time I caught myself complaining that “this always happens and it drives me nuts”, I would ask myself what I could change so that this didn’t happen again. Hand cream locked in sleeping baby’s room? Put another bottle out in the living room. Husband’s clothes always on the floor? Designate corner of bedroom not visible from door for that purpose.
July 16, 2010 at 7:22 am
I started this a long time ago…not perfect but MUCH better than I used to be:)…a deep breath and just letting it go is soooo soothing…
July 16, 2010 at 7:26 am
Great idea. I’m coming with you.
July 16, 2010 at 7:51 am
I find that I complain when I start to lose focus of my end goal. By having a vision of all the things that I want to accomplish and keeping to rememberance how far I’ve come, one can only begin to block out all other distractions which tend to cause us to complain. It’s amazing how our eye’s play such a huge role in shaping our mind. The next time you feel as though you’re about to complain, close your eyes.
July 16, 2010 at 8:13 am
I try not to complain too much, and when I do, I try to see how I can fix it. I’ve always lived on the brighter side of things, my glass is half full, and things could always be worse. As long as I have my health, my family and friends, and a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in my stomach, I’ve got nothing to complain about that’s worth while. There are millions without basic necessities, so who am I to complain that the line at the grocery store is too long, or the store doesn’t have whatever it is I’m looking for…
July 16, 2010 at 8:23 am
I work with many people who, like the rest of the world, complain about everything. In the past I have tried to not complain and actually show enthusiasm – for the day – for my life, etc. I am not a popular person for being positive. Don’t get me wrong, I am no Pollyanna but I do try not to complain (operative word there is try, I do complain sometimes). Now I just try to be quiet and not agree with them.
As far as being unpopular, how do you think I am responded to when I talk about debt reduction and savings!! LOL!
July 16, 2010 at 8:32 am
Great idea! I’m in. I’ve been realizing what a time waster complaining is. And by listening to complainers (especially at work) I’m enabling them to waste their time and my time. NO MORE!
July 16, 2010 at 8:41 am
Complaining is on of those things that breeds and spreads. Get a group together and one starts to complain it can spread like wildfire into a bi–h session. I don’t like hearing complaining and I think “do I sound like that?” when I complain. It is definitely not attractive and people often scrunch their faces – botox candidates for sure. You know they say that smiling burns more calories.
I know I complain but I really want to live a life that is full, full of good and positive things so I try not to. Reminders like this are great, thanks.
July 16, 2010 at 8:48 am
Great post, as usual… I really want to be the person who is positive and happy, with no “buts”…
I like the bracelet idea; I have tried a smiley face on my hand, but tend to forget about the reminder, but the bracelet is a physical object that I could move… I’ll try it today!
July 16, 2010 at 9:21 am
The bracelet idea is brilliant! I’m going to try the bracelet to break my “yeah, but…” habit. When I hear myself saying “yeah, but…” I shake my head at myself and try to stop talking. Usually this phrase comes after I’ve complained about something and a friend/colleague has suggested a solution that I am not prepared to enact. That’s when I know I was whining for the sake of whining, not problem solving, not seeking support, just whining. Yippee for self-awareness
If only I’d noticed this years ago, instead of months ago. Oh well, nobody’s perfect!
July 16, 2010 at 9:26 am
I find the quickest way to stop a chronic complainer is at the end of their whine session, simply ask “So, what are you going to do about it?”. Either they’re stumped or they actually think on it for a bit. Either way, they stop complaining about that one subject and move on to something else. Sooner or later I think they get that being proactive about something only they can change or that’s only really affecting them at this moment is the only solution. Either that or they get that complaining to me isn’t really going to turn into a pity party…I can host one of those all by myself!
July 16, 2010 at 9:29 am
I’m usually pretty good about not complaining, but somedays I slip up, but usually not too frequently.
However, I got some health news that was dropped on me this week with two possible outcomes (false results are no longer an option, which is what I had hoped for last week!). I’m hoping for the spinal tap outcome that means medication and weight loss can combat the issue (rather than the issue being a tumour that requires surgery, or worse), but I’ve certainly had my fill of complaints going strong this week! (the typical “woe is me” kind of thing, coupled with the fact that I’m unhappy that I can no longer eat ice cream or sweets, nor can I bake, etc).
It’s mostly been complaints to myself, not so much with others, but I think it’s time to move on. There’s nothing I can do about it, aside from accept that this is the new life. Thanks for the reminder.
July 16, 2010 at 9:32 am
I think there’s a diffference between whining and complaining, and I think complaining is how we often do take responsibility for what happens to ourselves and others. Complaining is how to get a broken security lock replaced, a blocked sidewalk made accessible, a water leak repaired, a defective item exchanged, a contract fulfilled, an injustice brought to light, or a medical symptom investigated. It just needs to be done in an appropriate manner.
July 16, 2010 at 9:38 am
Great message today, thank you. I have been trying to instill this in my daughter but she tends to lean toward the negative in everything. I try to lead by example but she has more than one example, and some shared genes that run the other way. We gently steer toward the positive.
Sorry, off topic, but I figured some of you will find this quite amusing(some of the only people that might “get” it). I went for my yearly bank review yesterday, met an advisor that I hadn’t seen before. I’m 43, last year bought a house on my own (after a separation), she has on her screen all my assets and she is basically blowing sunshine up my a** about how well I’ve done. I know that in order to keep my business she needs to be positive, but really is that helping me? Then she starts to explain to me how if I find myself in a higher tax bracket in retirement how a TFSA would be a powerful tool for my income. I kept thinking “she sees how much I have in RRSP’s, does she honestly think I’m going to be in a higher tax bracket in 20 years”? Too funny. At that point I really can’t trust anything she is saying because obviously she has “canned” stuff that she has to tell me. I really like the people at my bank, but unfortunately like everthing we always say, we need to do our homework, and understand it all ourselves, because if I was like the majority of the people out there, I would have felt like I had it all under control after that visit. I’m so proud though, I had the option of upping my payments by 10% for my mortgage, and I did that, she looked at me oddly when I asked her to go ahead and put that through. She also thought it was odd when I told her I wasn’t financing any of my home improvements, I pay for them with cash as I save it up. The look on her face was really too funny.
July 16, 2010 at 10:04 am
I try to live by the serenity prayer — accept what I cannot change, change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. It has served me well throughout my life. I still *itch and complain upon occasion, but not alot.
My bf’s family seems to have made an olympic sport out of complaining. Especially the weather. They could have hour long conversations about the weather. His brother called up to wish him a happy bday on the phone, 1 sentence was happy birthday, the rest of the message was complaining about all the rain we’ve had.
My bf is a grumbler… if he’s not complaining, he’s not breathing. And he gets mad about the most silly things. Recently he’s recognized how unhealthy this is, and is trying to get better.
Life is too short to was time and especially energy on useless things that you cannot change.
Have a great weekend all!
July 16, 2010 at 10:23 am
Love this idea! I will put on an hair elastic on my wrist today and start to observe how much I complain for the next day or so.
July 16, 2010 at 10:29 am
I am so with you!!! I have the next two weeks off and we plan to do some major cleaning up. If I complain once more about something in my house, the rubber band is going to be perfect. If you don’t get off your butt and do whatever it is you need doing, HELLO, there is no magic money fairy, repair fairy, cleaning fairy, ….etc etc. When I think about it after reading this blog, I complain about stuff that I have the total control over.
July 16, 2010 at 11:29 am
I am so with you guys.
Lisa, That is pretty funny. its amazing that paying for things rather than financing is such a “wierd” idea now days.
July 16, 2010 at 11:30 am
Fantastic post!
I just put an elastic band on my wrist (it’s all I had at the moment), no time like the present! I have also sent the link to ‘a complaint free world’ to three of my co-workers. We spend so many hours of our week at work, why not start to make that a truly positive environment to be in?
Gail, your down to earth posts rock! They give me a kick in the butt or some encouragement when I need it.
July 16, 2010 at 11:49 am
@Linda: I agree that there should be a distinction between whining and complaining. Whining is unproductive and I know that I am guilty as charged for doing that at times. Negativity always seems to breed more negativity.
I feel conflicted between complaining about something and bringing to light an injustice. For example, I find myself incredibly frustrated at work (I am an RN in a hospital setting) because we are consistently short-staffed right now which is putting patients at risk. When I lament about this at work, it doesn’t seem to help b/c there isn’t money in the budget to hire more full-time staff, yet I feel if I don’t say anything then I’m essentially saying that what is happening is okay.
I guess it’s a fine balance, one that I am struggling to figure out.
I’m going to try this out with a hair elastic to see if it helps me.
July 16, 2010 at 12:09 pm
The exercise for conscious complaining was something that was suggested to me when I was undergoing cancer treatment a few years ago. Important to focus on the positive. I had an elastic band like Gail’s and that thing was hopping from wrist to wrist so quickly that it was leaving rubber tread marks on my skin. That was a real wakeup call. Complaining had actually become a habit. Boring. I thought I was doing a lot better but when I got home I wanted to see just how many times I complained so I placed a bowl of pennies next to an empty bowl and everytime I complained I moved a penny. Poor bowl of pennies had the life span of a bag of chocolate chip cookies at my Weight Watcher’s meeting. 39 complaints in one day! I continued to do this for a month and it really helped me to stop all the petty complaining. However I am like Gail and enjoy a good rant and being a weather obsessed Canadian and living in the far North I am just never going to give up talking and complaining about the cold. I wouldn’t have much conversation left if I did.
July 16, 2010 at 12:22 pm
I’m with you Gail. A while back, someone here posted “Energy flows where Attention goes”. I copied it down and carry it in my day planner. I think of Maureen, who has brought tears of laughter to all our eyes, reading her take on her debt/health situations. Thinking back to my recent fall, broken ankle, and then subsequent broken toe on the good foot from kicking my crutch, I could see a whole different perspective. After the first two weeks, I was able to stand at my dining room table and cut fabric – for my latest quilt projects that have been waiting a long time to be completed. It was hard to walk through the path in my dining room because of the fabric waiting for projects. I suppose it’s possible that the Almighty thought I could use a break (play on words, lol) from working 70 hour weeks between my two jobs to just sit down and sew! I now have quite a stockpile of dog beds for an upcoming event, and more product for my home craft store. I have another month of recuperation ahead of me, and boxes of Father Christmas supplies to manipulate. My biggest past woes were the fact that EI told me they had “4 – 6 weeks to process my claim”. My 75 year old mother drove 70 miles to lend me $600, driving me around to pay my utilities and make my truck payment. The next day, a former customer showed up with three dresses to alter. Within two days, I received a payment from EI, AND I sold my beloved horse Silk! I am going to surprise my mother this weekend and pay her back. It has been hard keeping this secret, but it’s a good one. I believe if you surround yourself with negative energy, you are just inviting trouble. Look for the positive in events/situations, and enjoy what you have. My dog Bailey is loving having me home full time, I almost sleep normal hours, and have taken to eating breakfast – something my night shift lifestyle didn’t appreciate before! The best part of all my recent life events, is that now that there is a money flow again, I can use all of Gail’s weapons to make sure that I have something in an Emergency Fund ASAP. A CT scan and Bone Density scan are happening within the next week and month, so I am on track to getting all aspects of my physical and financial life fixed. My son is a firm believer in not even contemplating anything that he has no control over, just going with the flow. He got me with a good belly laugh yesterday: Did you hear about the dyslexic guy who sold his soul to Santa???
July 16, 2010 at 12:24 pm
How ironic that while I was typing my post, so was Maureen!!! And one of your stories I always remember is about hiding in the closet to eat cookies so the dog wouldn’t know! And here you are, talking about cookies again…
July 16, 2010 at 12:39 pm
I’m going to try jumping on this train too. I have noted much too much energy in my house been wasted on complaining and not enough on actually getting something done.
Initially it might take snapping the wrist elastic to get it noticed more, but let’s give it a try!
July 16, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Gail, I am not with you on this one!
I agree with those who make the difference between complaining and whinning.
I need to vent or I explode. I vent, might sulk for a bit, but by saying what is wrong with x, y, and z, I try to find ways to fix what is wrong. It helps me troubleshoot and look for solutions. When I say that it is too expensive, it is not necessarily a complaint! It can be a fact that means that it is not in the budget or it may mean that the budget needs an adjustment. Recognizing changes is important to make the necessary changes on my end.
What I hate is whinning that leads people to saying that they are ‘victims’ when they are not. There are true victims in life and their bad luck should not be diminished. If whinning or complaining leads you to a positive change, go ahead. I am with Michelle: “So, what are you going to do about it?. ” I have used that line before… more than once!
July 16, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Wow, busted!
In my line of work the saying is ‘a sailor isn’t happy unless (s)he has something to complain about’ and the sad thing is it’s true! Time to turn that around…
My mother has a great word that she uses when my daughter starts going on about something – whinging (pronounced with a soft g). I looked it up just to see and according to Wikipedia it is ‘A cry; A complaint; To complain or protest, especially in an annoying or persistent manner’
I think this is the sort of complaining that Gail is talking about – completely different from making a complaint about something. Though the squeaky wheel does get the grease at times…
I take your challenge Gail, and I will challenge my co-workers too! Being aware of our own negativity is a great first step to becoming positive, and what a lovely place to work that would be
July 16, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Great post Gail! Perfect timing. I have been thinking to myself that I have been whinging too much. It’s mostly my health issue that gets me down as I miss out on so many occasions and can’t travel often to see my grandson. A few things have been thrown at me the past couple of weeks as well – so……I have a green elastic band around my left wrist. I’m hoping for great improvement.
@Emma – if I can do it – so can you. No alcohol since 2003. No sugar since 2005. And that includes ice cream. I love to bake for others – I just don’t eat any. Leave your email addy here if you want any food suggestions.
@Rachel – the wisdom of the powers that be decided years ago to let nurses go and
not hire more – to save money. Nurses are run off their feet. However, it has come to my attention that there seems to be more, and more, and more management…..hm……
July 16, 2010 at 3:31 pm
I am taking on this challenge. My mom is the one who will ask “so what are you going to do about?” or “how can you change it?”. I work in a terrible atmosphere where the negativity is abundant. The frustrations are at an all time high and I am seeking out other places of employment after 16 years here. Sad.
Bring on the challenge. It takes work to be HAPPY!!!!!
July 16, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Catherine: I’ve never liked alcohol, so that one isn’t the problem. It’s the desserts that make my heart ache this week (that and this perpetual feeling of hunger that is following me around this week!) My mom says to enjoy treats once in awhile, but I know myself, and I’d rather have my brain believe the worst case scenario and just not touch in the first place (it’s far too easy to eat those foods!)
My username on the forum (http://gailvazoxlade.com/bb) is amme5832, and I would definitely appreciate a message with food suggestions!
July 16, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Great message, Gail. It’s a reminder to be more aware of my actions. Why waste my time being miserable over things out of my control?
July 16, 2010 at 5:24 pm
I always wear a hair elastic on my wrist and find it helps to give it a little snap when negative thoughts enter my mind. I will move it to the other wrist when I complain. I do agree that there is some constrructive complaining though for example if your job situation needs improvement for example.
Have a great w.e.
July 16, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Suzanne – Ha! I’m the cookie monster for sure. Very bad girl. I am the one who brought the chocolate chip cookies to my Weight Watchers class. The instructor took them from me and only gave them back after the class. Nine of us crammed into my van and ate them and we enjoyed the guilt. As with all things in life I tend to push the edge (and have a little fun) – which is probably why I had a weight problem and financial problems all my life.
I am sorry that you had to sell your horse but I know that you made sure he went to a good home. My Mom always used to say that out of everything bad something good happens. You are having a hard time yet you have been able to sew – which you love – and spend time with your dog – who you love. Sending you good vibes and we won’t even be petty and complain that it would have been better if the time off you had wasn’t from an accident but rather from a lottery win.
I have been a real pessimist for most of my life. Not only “the glass is half empty “kinda gal but “the glass is half empty and has a crack in the bottom and the very expensive booze is dripping out and running off the bar and staining my new dress” kinda gal. I came to appreciate even the little things in life when my cancer caused my spine to fracture. After weeks of bed rest fI could actually pee on my own except that or almost 6 more weeks I could not sit to pee. I will never ,ever complain about the boys missing the rim shot again.
July 16, 2010 at 6:17 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kara Hudson, Kara H. Kara H said: No more mindless chronic complaining. I'm behind this all the way. http://bit.ly/cQCPoS [...]
July 16, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Recently my beloved grandmother passed away. In her eulogy, her daughter mentioned that whenever the conversation turned to complaining or gossip, my grandma would not comment and gaze off into the distance. She would then bring up a new topic and turn the conversation away from the negativity. She would not embarrass those who were gossiping or complaining by scolding them. Instead she would gently correct their behavior in this manner. She was a welcoming, loving wonderful woman. She did not have an easy life, but she accepted it and loved life. She focused on the positive and she was happy until the day she died at 92. More people should be like her. I know I will thrive to live in a way that would make her proud.
July 16, 2010 at 8:56 pm
@Emma – clicked on it and looked at the blog. Sorry, you’ve lost me. I’m a luddite.
So one thing I’ll tell you here. Check out waxorchards.com
I get the classic chocolate as a drizzle on fruit or with nuts and banana and the fruit sweet I use in baking that I can have.
July 17, 2010 at 12:23 am
Quitcherbitchin’? Isn’t that that game they play at Snogwargs Wizard School or something, where you have to catch the Sneep?
July 17, 2010 at 12:50 am
maureen & suzanne, you two are an absolute riot!!! between the two of you i always find something funny and i end up laughing pretty well. thank you a million!
again i am reminded of my ex teaching me to surround myself with positive people. and i also am reminded of the reason for “the gratitudes”. i used to get up at 5:30am to go for my morning run (of course, pre-knee replacement). during my run i would talk to God, my way of prayer. and i would also say the gratitudes, 5 things i would specifically mention to God to say thanks. whether it was having enough $$$ to pay my bills, or my work, my daughter coming home late because at least she came home, the gratitudes have become a part of every morning of my life.
i also learned a very valuable lesson from my ex-manager. if i wanted to complain, i could. the caveat: i better have a solution. even if my solution was so far out in left field it was absolutely inconceivable, i still had to bring an idea to the table. so while i do find myself complaining, i have long since learned that constructive complaining, having some sort of a solution, or an idea of a solution, goes a long way in keeping it from becoming just a plain ol’ bi**h.
and finally, for what it’s worth, i have learned that every time i say the word “but”, i have just cancelled out whatever came just before it. so if i say “yes i’d like to save $10000 in 5 years but…” i’ve just made my comment a negative. so i make a very strong effort to avoid using the word.
i liked this blog today gail, and i especially liked reading all the responses. it gives me new & different ways to look at my own habits, and make changes or keep doing what i’m doing. thanks again, all.
July 17, 2010 at 9:34 am
@ Catherine and Emma – My daughter has health problems and I have discovered a great ice cream substitute. Add frozen berries to a blender and blend til smooth , then add a frozen banana. Again blend til smooth. You can add natural vanilla and some honey if desired.
The banana makes it smooth and creamy just like ice cream!
Just a natural food substitute suggestion
July 17, 2010 at 7:38 pm
I wonder what prompted this post today? Did someone else’s bitchin’ get to you? It’s a really good thing to think about – I bet we all bitch more then we ought to…. I’m not sure that I’ll do the bracelet thing..but thanks for getting me to think about it.
July 17, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Like criticism, complaining has it’s place.
I often will let companies now when their products are not working or fail on me. Most companies appreciate the feedback. I had issues with 2 Colgate Spinbrushes, both times they sent a coupon to cover the cost of another. On the 2nd one they asked that I send the toothbrush to them to see what the issue was, they sent me a prepaid label and I mailed it back.
I wanted to complain to McD’s Canada about the behaviour I saw from one of their employees on the city bus, but their site has no comment link or feedback box. So, I hope his ears are burning. He didn’t move out of the senior designated seat ing when a senior with a cane boarded, in fact he was taking up a 2nd seat with his bag. I think if I see him the next time, I am going to say something to him, directly.
July 17, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Great post! I’m new to you blog and I love this post. I’m going to take this and challenge my clients for the next 30 days to wear a an elastic – to remind them not to complain.
I will re-post the results as it happens.
Have a great day!
Ophelia
July 18, 2010 at 9:28 am
How did you know that I am a big complainer with a mission to stop and live a happier life?
I am going to join you on your crusade. Thanks again for opening my eyes!
-C
July 18, 2010 at 11:07 am
I definitely complain too much. I’m going to try to be more aware of this. Thanks for pointing it out, Gail.
Sometimes I think when we complain we’re either trying to make conversation with people because we don’t know what else to say, or else we’re trying to skirt a more difficult issue. I mean, sometimes I don’t really say exactly what I’m upset about, or feel I can’t articulate it, so I just bitch about something else instead. Can anyone else relate to this? I’m going to try to notice this more.
July 18, 2010 at 12:39 pm
My husband and I are the worst.
I’ll say I have a headache. He’ll tell me to take an asprin. I’ll tell him that I don’t want to fix the problem, I just want to complain.
He’s be grouchy because it’s raining and he can’t ride his motorcyle. I’ll tell him that clearly the weather is out to get him.
We try to make light of our complaints. I think it would be better if we just didn’t make them.
July 18, 2010 at 5:04 pm
@SQ – I understand you completely.
Today is day two of the elastic band. I tweaked it a bit and instead of moving it back and forth to left and right wrists – I just snap the band. It has been amazing how more aware I am of what I am about to say. Being at work next week will tell the tale.
July 19, 2010 at 9:20 am
I used to be one of those people that would complain about the littlest things, but it all changed when a dear friend was diagnesed with terminal cancer and not given long to live. She was my age, 32, and had just had her second child. Here she was after being told that she wouldn’t live to see her two kids grow up being positive and strong for them and here I was complaining about the stupidist things. Let me tell you, that put it all into perspective. It took a while, but since then I don’t get upset or complain about the little things … I just keep saying to myself that I’m healty and happy and that’s what matters most. And, I have my friend’s voice in my head (she passed away this past Easter) telling me to suck it up.
July 19, 2010 at 11:55 am
Hi Gail
This couldn’t be more timely….. I found myself bitchin’ and whining about a job I like but it HATES me….. after finally figuring out that I need to get back to doing something I love, I got myself set up again on a road to working my way OUT of my job…. knowing I have a goal and a timeline, I find I have much less to complain about….. funny, that!
July 19, 2010 at 2:40 pm
I like to complain. It makes me feel better, I don’t shop to fill the void and things don’t seem so bad once I have said it out loud because really, things could be worse!!
July 19, 2010 at 3:42 pm
Take it from me – DO NOT say ‘things could be worse”, because next thing you know ___ THEY ARE!! One thing is pretty certain, tho, there will always be someone out there is your circle who definitely does have it worse than you do, and likely are ’sucking it up’, and making the best of a bad situation. I am glad that mine and Maureen’s banter makes ppl happy, she certainly makes my day better. And if you can’t laugh at yourself, and your piddly little woes, then you are most definitely a sorry “Schleprock”. Case is point, while at Wally World, I ran into a co-worker and her toddler, who commented that my leg looked like ‘Daddy’s hands”. He caught both hands in the swather, shattering all the bones in the right hand, and cutting off a few fingers and breaking more on the left hand. Yep, one broken ankle and one broken toe sure don’t seem like much after that, at least I can pee by myself! Maureen, we sure lose our dignity when we are in these fixes don’t we? Ahhh, we’ll get over it, lol, just practicing for the nursing home…..
July 19, 2010 at 3:43 pm
*in your circle)
July 19, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Wow, I am dyslexic today – CASE IN Point, at least I made the exact same mistake twice, lol
May 12, 2011 at 1:06 am
Houses and cars are quite expensive and not everyone can buy it. However, personal loans are created to help people in such situations.