The October edition of “The Feel Better Letter” (the newsletter at The Center for Self Growth) is intended to guide you into consciously changing your thoughts, language and communication to reflect more positive and intentional speak, actions and habits that will work for you, and not against you. (Click Here to sign up to receive a free monthly subscription to The Feel Better Letter or visit The CSG Blog).
This month, Beth (at The Center for Self Growth) and I were inspired by a non-profit organization called “A Complaint Free World.” This organization is dedicated to providing purple bracelets (similar to the “Live Strong” yellow bracelets), to symbolize the elimination of toxic communication in order to inspire positive change, hope and optimism.
Maya Angelou writes: "If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.”
It is proven that it takes 21 days to create a new habit. A Complaint Free World is challenging us to go 21 days without a complaint. The purple bracelets are meant to be a daily reminder of your commitment to the challenge. You start with the purple bracelet on one wrist and when you complain, criticize or gossip you switch it to the other wrist. The challenge is to go 21 days with the bracelet on the same wrist. Therefore, altering the way you think, speak and act for the better.
So, it may take a lot more than 21 days to create this habit. Give yourself a break and be gentle with yourself throughout the process. Give yourself credit for trying and when you complete the 21 days without a complaint you will feel happier, more joyful and that life is gliding along more gracefully. Involve others in the process by sharing your experience and including them as well.
One of my all time favorite quotes is “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” (Gandhi) Let the purple bracelet inspire yourself and others to be the change.
The first day of each new month presents us with a perfectly fresh moment in time to create new goals, change our habits and implement change in our lives. Simple conscious shifts in our thinking, speaking and acting can have a monumental affect on our overall health and happiness. The cycle that takes place when our subconscious thoughts are brought to our consciousness, allows us to intentionally shift how we think, feel and act. Therefore, each of us is in control of our positive and negative thoughts and habits.
Today is October 1st….day ONE. Join us in our attempt to make October 2009 a Complaint Free month. Share your thoughts and experiences below! Together we can be the change!
Great post...thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jason! I am so inspired by this organization and its messages!
ReplyDeleteI have been approached by several people over the past couple of days about how they are becoming more aware of the negativity and unattractiveness of people that constantly complain. If nothing else, I wanted to bring awareness to the forefront of your mind about how the simple elimination of toxic language can have a monumental effect on your health and happiness, as well as your attractiveness. Think of "attractive" not only in a relationship sense, but in business as well. In other words, when you complain/gossip/criticize, think about the opportunities, people and connections that you may be repelling. Just another thought...
Make it a great day, or not...the choice is yours!
Cheers,
De
Indeed, because of this post and the subsequent website, I was able to control myself yesterday and not complain once...I caught myself complaining a bit today, but I felt great in that I can think through my actions and continue with purpose and that helped me get back on track. Thanks again DeAnna. Best to you!
ReplyDelete