“What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t complain.”
― Maya Angelou
Do you find yourself complaining, gossiping, or criticizing others?
Is this practice harming your relationships at home or at work?
Do you constantly feel, irritable, restless, sad, or tired?
We all succumb to these negative feelings from time to time, especially when we feel anxious and pressured by our various responsibilities.
I know that in my own life, I’ve had periods when I complained often. Even when things were going my way, I could always find something to complain about. And I would invariably feel unhappy and miserable (and make others miserable).
Every day, we’re faced with a choice. We can choose to focus on the negative aspects of our lives or we can choose to focus on our blessings. Sometimes we choose well and sometimes we falter. But as a community, we can support each other through our individual and collective challenges.
This is why I am grateful for our newly-begun Complaint-Free Challenge. I hope you’ve joined in. If not, you can pick up a bracelet at the Wellness Center.
I’ve decided to begin my challenge today, Ash Wednesday. For Christians around the world, this day begins a 40-day period of fasting and prayer. It’s a time when people reflect on what’s working in their lives and what’s not working. It’s a time when they commit to righting the wrongs in their lives.
May we have to courage to drop the things in our lives that do not serve us or others — especially complaining, gossiping, and criticizing.
May we commit to living a happier, complaint free life.
And may we wear our purple bracelets as a sign of this commitment.
Cylon George
Campus Chaplain.
Published: Wed, 10 Feb 2016 12:49:36 +0000 by c.george