Comments on: Day 16 of 30 – No Complaining

By: Karl Staib - The Work Happy Guy

Karl Staib - The Work Happy Guy — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:08:55 +0000

Hi Carla, most of my complaining is done internally. It’s a tough vice to break.

Hi Arswino, I’ve read similar thoughts. I’ve thought long and hard about this. I truly believe it’s how we interact with the elements inside and outside our body that determines our happiness. Some people believe there is no separation, everything is connected.

When I say 50/50 I believe, like you, that it’s up to us to make the best of a situation. But I also can’t discount abusive relationships. It’s hard to get in the right frame of mind if someone is physically or mentally abusing you. I know this is an extreme case, but it’s a force that’s hard to ignore.

The same goes for oxygen. If my oxygen is cut off I’m going to be in pain. It’s hard to be happy when you can’t breathe. I could be happy that I’m going to heaven, but not many of us can feel the bliss of dying. Another extreme case, but it shows my views on happiness.

By: Arswino

Arswino — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:07:03 +0000

Great post Karl, however I have a little different thought about happiness. I think 99% of our happiness come for our own mind and that's only 1% that come from our circumstances. I remember a quote from John B. Sheerin : "Happiness is not in our circumstances but in ourselves. It is not something we see, like a rainbow, or feel, like the heat of a fire. Happiness is something we are." Arswino's last blog post..No More With Me

By: Carla

Carla — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:20:02 +0000

I dont vocally complain much, but I think I complain in my mind a lot.
“I’m tried from working all day”
“My back hurts”
“My health care is sky high”
…and so on. This a good challenge and one I may take up.

By: Karl Staib - The Work Happy Guy

Karl Staib - The Work Happy Guy — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:49:15 +0000

Hi Nicki, we need to create our own love. Sometimes it’s easier to get it from others, but in the long run our own love is what makes us stronger.

Hi Lance, thanks for keeping your kisses to yourself. My wife is appreciative too.

Hi Marelisa, Yoga is a passion of mind and anytime I can carve a little time out for it, I’m a happy man.

Hi Chris, internal complaining can also dictate our mood. The more we are in tune with this the better we can direct our thoughts to more positive actions.

By: chris

chris — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:07:49 +0000

I could actually give this a try. I'm usually not a complainer, well I do complain but I don't really vocalize it, I just think it. This time I won't think it either. chris's last blog post..All I Want For Christmas?

By: Marelisa

Marelisa — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:29:48 +0000

Hi Karl: I find that setting an amount of time that you will devote to a task and then having a reward ready at the end–even if it’s just a cup of coffee or a candy–is one of the best ways to get a task done. So your approach of just putting up the lights and then giving yourself the gift of 10 minutes of yoga is excellent

Marelisa’s last blog post..Five Ways to Keep Your Spirits Up During the Holidays

By: Lance

Lance — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:49:40 +0000

I agree with Nicki – this is fantastic Karl! And what is fantastic, is that this 30 day approach doesn’t have to be for just complaining – it can be for whatever it is that’s limiting us. I’ve been looking at this through the lens of complaints (and that’s been good) – yet the bigger lens is that this can apply to so many different things. And looking through that lens is indeed very awakening. Thanks Karl! (and nice job with the Christmas lights – although there’ll be NO kisses from me!!!)

Lance’s last blog post..Bounce!

By: Nicki Lock

Nicki Lock — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 04:58:52 +0000

Fantastic post – great point that sometimes complaining is a way to get validation from others when instead we should be happy with our efforts for ourselves. It’s easy to forget that approving of yourself means a ton.