I’ve been working on this goal for a while now ~ I just haven’t added it on my list of 43 things.
I realized that for the past year or so, I’ve been holding onto and harboring anger and negativity. I don’t like it. I don’t like the way it makes me feel or the way it tints my world. So I decided I need to find ways to let go of what’s already here inside of me and find ways to stop it from getting lodged in me in the first place. No mean feat.
I’ve jumped on the complaint-free bandwagon, thinking it might help. It’s been difficult. I’ve probably had my bracelet (well, I made my own version of it) for over a month now. For those of you who haven’t read about it, you’re supposed to wear this purple rubber bracelet to remind yourself not to complain, gossip, or be sarcastic. Apparently there was a study done that determined most habits are made and broken in 21 days. So if someone can abstain from complaining for 21 days, the habit is supposedly broken. Anyway, I had two days in a row that were complaint-free ~ quite an accomplishment, I think. I honestly don’t think I complain that much ~ just once or twice a day. And, strangely, it’s the little stuff that gets to me. I’ll complain about the stupidity level of commercials when the TV’s on (another good reason to limit TV time!) or I’ll make a sarcastic comment.
It’s actually a very freeing concept and it can make it easier for me to release negativity, at times. When something bothers me and I find myself dwelling on it, I realize what I’m doing and just let it go. I don’t talk about it, I don’t write about it, I don’t go over and over it in my mind. I just let it go.
It doesn’t ALWAYS work, of course.
