One blog that I regularly read is Zen Habits. I love it because I get something out of it almost every read. Today's post, How to Stop Acting Like Such a Big Baby, is about learning to not complain so much. This post couldn't have come at a better time for me. As a mom of 2 small kids, I find I complain...a lot. Why does my youngest have to wake up so early every morning? Why do I have to constantly remind the kids to pick up their toys? Why doesn't my husband help me out more? Are all the cars on the road conspiring against me to make me late for my long-awaited and much needed hair appointment? There are some days when I can't stand the sound of my own voice from all the complaining I do!
I know I'm not setting a good example for my kids. Nor do I like putting out all that negative energy. Not to mention, it doesn't really make me feel any better. Most of the time I don't even realize I'm doing it. It's become second nature, I'm afraid.
According to the author of the post on Zen Habits, there are two steps to stop complaining:
- Make it a priority to notice every time you complain or unnecessarily criticize. This includes judging others. Now, every time you catch yourself complaining, just stop and notice it.
- After you’ve noticed yourself complaining, ask yourself this: Is there anything I can do about what I’m complaining about, or it outside of my control? If there is something you can do about it, do it. If there is nothing you can do, let it go.
It's worth a shot. What do I have to lose...a bad attitude? I'll let you know how it goes. In the mean time, I have to go bring in the trash cans. I see my husband forgot to bring them in...again. Must I do everything?!
