As the new year begins, I too have a resolution. I am taking Edwene Gaines’ 21 Day Challenge: to fast from complaining for twenty-one days – the length of time psychologists say it takes to change a habit. Complaining is a bad habit. Addiction specialists tell us that the easiest way to overcome any bad habit is to replace it with a healthier one. And so, I will begin each of the 21 days by listing at least eight things in my life that I am grateful for. It’s a wonderfully sneaky exercise as it starts you thinking in terms of gratitude…and you tend to keep thinking this way throughout the day. I’m so grateful someone else figured that out for me…
I’m on Day Three today, and I have a big confession: I have done Day One over more times than I can count. You see, if you slip up you must start over the next day. If you know me, you find it remarkable that I’ve made it this far! Meaning, of course, that if I can stop complaining, ANYONE CAN STOP COMPLAINING!
But I am putting my “money where my mouth is”…as Edwene says in her Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity. It’s time to walk the talk. My friend Nadine gave me this book for Christmas (grateful.) IT JUST WASN’T THIS CHRISTMAS! It was a year ago. That should give you a hint about what I’m working with here….sheeeeeeez….but in my defense, the book was packed in a box for months during my l o n g move (not complaining) and I just re-discovered it. With prompting from Nadine…
Last week Nadine sent me this YouTube video which reminded me that I had that book around here somewhere. I invite you to listen to this Yoda in the form of a munchkin…and follow the yellow brick road with me.
“The more you complain, the longer God lets you live.” -unknown
a painterly home 
Hi Susan
I just looked at this post. wondering how you made it through the challenge and how your life has changed since then. I hope you are doing well.
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn, I am on Day Four…I have never completed the challenge without having to start over (?!!!) It is very hard, especially for someone with a lifelong habit of complaining! And it is very revealing about your own habits as well as those of the people you surround yourself with. I can tell you that I have lost two friends (each I’ve known for about forty years) from doing this. I don’t know if they are aware of it yet, but they are so negative and miserable that I have had to decide to pull away. But I will never quit quitting – I do believe this will change my life and I am DETERMINED.