And I say that ↑ with love, because I certainly used to be a pro at it :)
Have you ever read a quote that gave you exactly the attitude adjustment you were needing? When I first read this quote in The Power of Now, it did just that for me. It revealed to me that I was in the habit of complaining and often chose to feel victimized by (what I see now, were) neutral circumstances. Its truth has stuck with me since that moment and I read it often to remind myself of the power my mind has in every circumstance.
I invite you to read the most beautiful advice:
“See if you can catch yourself complaining, in either speech or thought, about a situation you find yourself in, what other people do or say, your surroundings, your life situation, even the weather. To complain is always nonacceptance of what is. It invariably carries an unconscious negative charge. When you complain, you make yourself into a victim. When you speak out, you are in your power. So change the situation by taking action or by speaking out if necessary or possible; leave the situation or accept it. All else is madness.” ~ Eckhart Tolle
ALL ELSE IS MADNESS.
Thank 👏🏼 you 👏🏼Eckhart 👏🏼
This quote touches on one of the most powerful practices of mindfulness I've yet to encounter: releasing resistance. If we can move AWAY from complaining and 'why me-ing' and TOWARD acceptance and/or empowered action, we change the game. Circumstances arise, yes. But our attitudes and actions in response to those circumstances......determine everything.
I'd much rather be in the camp of empowered thinking versus victimhood. How about you?
♥︎ Carli
CHANGE | LEAVE | ACCEPT
This week, when a circumstance arises that typically triggers your desire to complain, try the following:
1. Acknowledge the circumstance as neutral.
2. Notice your learned behaviour of complaining with compassion. Bring awareness to the habit that has been formed and be grateful you are working to change it to something more empowered.
3. Mentally say the following to yourself:
'I will not complain about this.
Therefore my options are:
CHANGE
LEAVE
ACCEPT
Complaining is societal and universal. Don't be hard on yourself if you notice you're doing it often. Left unchecked, we ALL do.
But if you seek a more empowered way of living, I highly recommend this practice.
Stop fighting the reality of the circumstance unnecessarily in your mind and pivot quickly by asking:
CHANGE?
LEAVE?
ACCEPT?
All of those choices empower you in a situation that is already causing you discomfort. Moving forward meaningfully and intentionally always feels better than complaining ♥︎