I spoke at A Woman Inspired with talented women. Fancy women. Not women like me. I only "play" fancy on the Internet. One of these fine ladies was the amazing Sheila Wray Gregoire. She has many wonderful books and blogs over at To Love, Honor and Vacuum.
She challenged herself and her readers to try a complaint free week. I immediately was all proud and thought to myself how easy I could do that. I generally am a pretty agreeable gal and try to keep my pettiness negativity grumpiness fussy thoughts to myself.
Turns out, after being cognizant of my speech yesterday, I am a total jerk to my kids***. I complain to them about their misdeeds, and then about them to my Husband.
I can't even begin to tell you all the times I have sat in public people watching (whole families at a time) and judging them. I judge the parents and the kids. I judge how they speak to each other and feel all smug about my own family.
Seriously, y'all. I am such a hypocrite. A total jerk.
So, this week, I am taking Sheila's challenge to stop complaining and hopefully to be less of a jerk.
What about you? Are you a secret complainer, too? Are you brave enough to take the challenge?
Speak up Friends of Fussypants….don't leave me bein' all vulnerable here for nothing. {giggles}
xoxo, alli
(*but really sometimes complaining and just reporting the days events are very close to the same thing. How do you tell the story of a child peeing on floor then falling in it all while another child decorated the bathroom sink with toothpaste?)
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
I will join the challenge
I’m joining in. It’s a pretty sad day when your husband wonders why you weren’t so grumpy today. =P “Don’t endure the day (and your kids); ENJOY it!”
I’m joining in. It’s a pretty sad day when your husband wonders why you weren’t so grumpy today. =P “Don’t endure the day (and your kids); ENJOY it!”
can I start next week? I need prepare
What a great challenge, Fussy. Count me in!
PS This is why I enjoy your blog so much…you always inspire me to do and be better. Thanks!
I love this idea – I was just sitting here, and putting together a post about all the things WRONG with my life.
I’m tired, this pregnancy is kicking me in the butt on a nightly basis, there are dishes to wash, laundry to fold and a cranky toddler not napping in her room…and then I took a break to read some blogs…
And here I am – also delurking, I think.
I love your blogs – great job on all counts!
What a challenge! It sure is tough to go through the day without a complaint, but it makes such a difference in our psyches.
I’ve been mindful of my choices regarding happiness and my outlook for a few years, and it makes a big difference. I’m going to join in your complaint-free week, and hopefully it will push me a little further.
My 2 yo peed on the floor last night.
Now that that is out of my system, you can count me in!
LOL – I had the worst morning…too bad I didn’t read this first!! I don’t know if I could stick with it….but I’m going to try to take a positive approach!
I am in, also. Starting right now!
Great idea!
I’ll join! I’ve had a positive day so far. I do agree that complaining and just reporting the days events are very close to the same thing, so I’m going to have to pay special attention to my reporting skills. It comes down to tone of voice I think. You have to keep the judgment out of your voice and say “He peed on the floor” in a clinical manner, rather than with the annoyance & exasperation you are feeling.
I’ll join! I’ve had a positive day so far. I do agree that complaining and just reporting the days events are very close to the same thing, so I’m going to have to pay special attention to my reporting skills. It comes down to tone of voice I think. You have to keep the judgment out of your voice and say “He peed on the floor” in a clinical manner, rather than with the annoyance & exasperation you are feeling.
There is a fine line between complaining and reporting – especially when we are talking boys – how about TONE? You are REPORTING if you are laughing during the story and COMPLAINING if crying…or whining.
I am in. I have caught myself lately being the screaming mom at bedtime. Not easy for nice dreams following my tantrums.
I have failed already (stinkin’ PMS)! But I’ll get back up, dust myself off and try again!
Great inspiring post….I can fall into the “martyr syndrome” very quickly!
sandy toe
I’m in. I noticed lately my words have not been very kind to my little peeps and the hubby. I have been grumpy and I need to change that. So, I will take the challenge right along with you.
Great idea, I love it and I am joining in. The sermon at church was in relation to this and this is a perfect application!
I find it much easier to laugh at other people’s kids than my own. I remember giggling while watching my friend chase her 3-year-old, who had pooped in his pants, removed them and continued to play at the park in the sand…until he realized she was after him, at which point, he ran up the stairs…and down the slide. I don’t know that I would have been laughing at my own little guy in that situation. Although, when I do take a step back and laugh, my day is that much better.
YAY! Welcome ladies!
I am not sure I am brave enough to get through this challenge!
I’ve been thinking about that since the conference. I obviously want to try it, but timing is EVERYTHING. 1 1/2 weeks AFTER my lovely PMS stint. Gives me good odds.
But what are you supposed to say when someone asks you how you are and you have a head cold? Ever notice how many people ASK for your complaints? It’s a conspiracy.
Im up for the challenge. I find that having little positive clues to remind you to watch your attitude and your response can be very helpful. For instance, have a coffee mug with smiley face or words of inspiration to start the day off? Daily Devotionals help to start the day.