So a study was even done about complaining and the stresses placed on us...blah blah blah. I guess people like to complain.
So a challenge was started to help people curb their complaining...21 days complaint-free. It started in a ministry in Missouri. Since we are what we think about, the minister tried out this challenge on the congregation, and the movement grew.
http://www.acomplaintfreeworld.org/
How can you go 21 days without complaining? Here are some tips...
1. Recognize that it's a process. It may take some time, but realize that it's a journey, that there will be slip ups and keep going.
2. Think constructive and informative. Stick to the facts and be neutral. Think "Am I damaging the relationship?"
3. Write down what's bothering you. This helps you view the situation more objectively plus it can be very therapeutic (more so than yapping about it to a friend for 2 hours).
4. Consider what can be done to change the situation. Step back and brainstorm. Write down some ideas and decide what to do first.
5. Channel the complaining into a more productive response. Take active-recommend a new policy, ask for help. Do something positive.
6. Find a bright side. Find the positive in the negative scenario. Example: given a time-consuming project, consider the knowledge and experience you'll gain
Maya Angelou - "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude; Don't complain"
So can you go 21 days?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
13 Teachings of Rabbi Y'srael Salanter
TRUTH - Do not say anything unless you know in your heart that it is true.
ALERTNESS - A minute is too precious to waste. Time must be properly utilized.
DILIGENCE - Decide what needs to be done, then do it enthusiastically and well.
RESPECT - Honor every person. He may not be your friend but he is a human being.
PEACE OF MIND - Be calm and composed and let it show in everything you do.
GENTLENESS - Wise men speak gently. Develop the habit and you will find yourself being listened to.
CLEANLINESS - Respect your body and your clothing. Keep them clean.
PATIENCE - Whatever happens, often it will be unpleasant - accept it with calm and patience.
ORDERLINESS - Make your willpower the master of your time. Plan, organize and follow through.
HUMILITY - You are not perfect. Recognize your own weakness. Ignore the faults of others.
RIGHTEOUSNESS - Always do the right thing, plain and simple, what the moral law demands and more.
THRIFT - Every penny should be spent carefully. Money can do too much good to be wasted.
SILENCE - Choose your words carefully. Don't talk unless you have something worthwhile to say.
ALERTNESS - A minute is too precious to waste. Time must be properly utilized.
DILIGENCE - Decide what needs to be done, then do it enthusiastically and well.
RESPECT - Honor every person. He may not be your friend but he is a human being.
PEACE OF MIND - Be calm and composed and let it show in everything you do.
GENTLENESS - Wise men speak gently. Develop the habit and you will find yourself being listened to.
CLEANLINESS - Respect your body and your clothing. Keep them clean.
PATIENCE - Whatever happens, often it will be unpleasant - accept it with calm and patience.
ORDERLINESS - Make your willpower the master of your time. Plan, organize and follow through.
HUMILITY - You are not perfect. Recognize your own weakness. Ignore the faults of others.
RIGHTEOUSNESS - Always do the right thing, plain and simple, what the moral law demands and more.
THRIFT - Every penny should be spent carefully. Money can do too much good to be wasted.
SILENCE - Choose your words carefully. Don't talk unless you have something worthwhile to say.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
ME to WE
So I've just finished listened to the book, ME to WE, on cd. I read about 2-3 books at a time...I seriously was never a book fanatic until about 2 years ago.
Nonetheless, ME to WE, makes you think about social responsibility and really being involved in volunteering and taking care of each other. I mean, we are all connected as a community, but there is so often an overwhelming feeling that I can't take of everyone, so what can I really do? The book helped give perspective to this, and I am now excited to explore opportunities for volunteering in my community and beyond.
A smile can go a long way!
We're a global community and everyone needs love!
I really enjoyed the book, especially the personal stories included...the stories of 1 person's journey to help others, and it didn't have to be a journey that changed thousands of lives, though some were. Sometimes all you need is a spark!
http://www.metowe.com
Finding volunteer opportunities in your area: http://www.volunteermatch.org
Nonetheless, ME to WE, makes you think about social responsibility and really being involved in volunteering and taking care of each other. I mean, we are all connected as a community, but there is so often an overwhelming feeling that I can't take of everyone, so what can I really do? The book helped give perspective to this, and I am now excited to explore opportunities for volunteering in my community and beyond.
A smile can go a long way!
We're a global community and everyone needs love!
I really enjoyed the book, especially the personal stories included...the stories of 1 person's journey to help others, and it didn't have to be a journey that changed thousands of lives, though some were. Sometimes all you need is a spark!
http://www.metowe.com
Finding volunteer opportunities in your area: http://www.volunteermatch.org
Attitude by Chuck Swindoll
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarklable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our ATTITUDES."
Thoughts from the Beach
While working at a beach location in late fall 2007, I wrote...
Life is but a moment, a breath, a crash of waves upon the silky sand. A reminder of fleeting happenings, of what is gone and cannot be changed, of what is now and before you in that very salty sweet inhale taken, and all that is to come in moments undiscovered. Live now, embrace and cherish now, for moments cannot be erased or replaced.
The ocean raises her mighty fist against the shore yet softly breaks. The warm salt streams in but stays so briefly. A visit, a reminder.
A lesson on leadership watching pelicans from a balcony...
Four flew lightly together, close to the water's edge. Two swooped and landed happily in the waves beginning to dunk for sea life, having decided this was the ideal spot. The other two, however, continued with patience to fly around the area a bit longer before settling about 20 feet away (their ideal locale). The first two, seeing this, showing respect and trust in their fellow birds, immediately skirted over to where the second two had landed. The second two had done some brief investigation of the waters and chosen the best spot to land for 'dining', and the others followed suit quickly, displaying aviary leadership skills on the water in the early morn.
Life is but a moment, a breath, a crash of waves upon the silky sand. A reminder of fleeting happenings, of what is gone and cannot be changed, of what is now and before you in that very salty sweet inhale taken, and all that is to come in moments undiscovered. Live now, embrace and cherish now, for moments cannot be erased or replaced.
The ocean raises her mighty fist against the shore yet softly breaks. The warm salt streams in but stays so briefly. A visit, a reminder.
A lesson on leadership watching pelicans from a balcony...
Four flew lightly together, close to the water's edge. Two swooped and landed happily in the waves beginning to dunk for sea life, having decided this was the ideal spot. The other two, however, continued with patience to fly around the area a bit longer before settling about 20 feet away (their ideal locale). The first two, seeing this, showing respect and trust in their fellow birds, immediately skirted over to where the second two had landed. The second two had done some brief investigation of the waters and chosen the best spot to land for 'dining', and the others followed suit quickly, displaying aviary leadership skills on the water in the early morn.
If I Had My Life to Life Over by Erma Bombeck
She wrote this after she found out she had cancer. In memory...
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never had said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's." more "I'm sorry's".
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it. Live it and never give it back. Stop sweating the small stuff.
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who love us.
Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with.
And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally.
I hope you all have a blessed day.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never had said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's." more "I'm sorry's".
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it. Live it and never give it back. Stop sweating the small stuff.
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who love us.
Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with.
And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally.
I hope you all have a blessed day.
Rudy's Rules
The inspirational words of Rudy Ruettiger - the man who would not quit until he got into Notre Dame and played football!
-You can be anyone you want to be: create daily success habits that will empower you
-Make anger work for you: use anger in a positive way to get results
-Everyone should be a dreamer: visualize your dream and make a commitment to making it happen
-Eliminate the confusion: visualize exactly what you want to be
-It is better to do something and fail than to do nothing at all! The harder the struggle, the greater the victory.
-Get the dollar signs out of your eyes: focus on your passion instead of money
-Quit making excuses: when we make commitments they become real, not just fantasies
-Dreams don't have time limits but timing is everything: if you miss a goal, don't quit, reset it
-Keep at it: if you quit, you'll regret it forever
-When you achieve one dream, dream another: Dreams give us energy to go to new levels
-You can be anyone you want to be: create daily success habits that will empower you
-Make anger work for you: use anger in a positive way to get results
-Everyone should be a dreamer: visualize your dream and make a commitment to making it happen
-Eliminate the confusion: visualize exactly what you want to be
-It is better to do something and fail than to do nothing at all! The harder the struggle, the greater the victory.
-Get the dollar signs out of your eyes: focus on your passion instead of money
-Quit making excuses: when we make commitments they become real, not just fantasies
-Dreams don't have time limits but timing is everything: if you miss a goal, don't quit, reset it
-Keep at it: if you quit, you'll regret it forever
-When you achieve one dream, dream another: Dreams give us energy to go to new levels
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Careers
Today I did a course on career intervention-focusing on my strengths. Am I doing what I want to be doing? Am I tapping into my strengths, which is where I should be spending most of my day, not focusing on those nasty weaknesses? It was insightful, yet I will not be quitting my job tomorrow or moving out of the country. I do have some new ideas of how I want to reconstruct what I currently do to spend more time doing what I enjoy and what invigorates me.
Sometimes I do feel an urge...a push to just leap...do something outlandish like join the Peace Corps, then I let the ego start talking, and I don't do anything about it. I am trying to get involved with volunteer groups locally, but sometimes don't you just want to act? You feel an urge to leap! We'll see what happens...
Sometimes I do feel an urge...a push to just leap...do something outlandish like join the Peace Corps, then I let the ego start talking, and I don't do anything about it. I am trying to get involved with volunteer groups locally, but sometimes don't you just want to act? You feel an urge to leap! We'll see what happens...
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