How To Stop Complaining and Be More Grateful

I’m not one to whine and complain to other people. I’m very aware of how my energy effects someone else and I try and be v, v respectful of that.

This is not to say, I never feel angry or resentful. Obviously I’m human and there are times when negativity can get the best of me, I just tend to keep it internal.

Whenever shitty thoughts and feelings start to bubble up, I try and stop complaining in it’s tracks with gratitude.

Here’s why: the ego is strengthened by complaining.  It feeds off of it and loves to complain about other people and situations. Every complaint is a little story the mind makes up that you completely believe in.

When this happens, the ego has you in its grip. You don’t have thoughts, the thoughts have you. 

Today I wanted to share a personal method has been extremely useful in squashing negativity and assisting with living a happier, grateful, abundant and positive life.

Step 1:

Become self aware to even notice you’re complaining. You’d be surprised at just HOW many people have no idea the sheer volume of negativity they spews from their mouthes on the daily.

Start by just noticing each time you have a negative thought, feel resentful or start telling yourself a “story” about a person or situation.

Step 2:

Counteract a complaint with a compliment or expression of gratitude. Not sure how to spin a negative into a positive?

Start with “This is good because”….

Here are some real life examples:

• This long travel day is good because it means I’m fortunate to have a flexible job to be able to travel at will. I’m so grateful to be able to escape the Chicago winter and enjoy some warmth and sunshine. I am lucky to have a loyal and supportive husband waiting for me at home.
• Missing my pilates class this morning is good because I will get an early start on a 12 hr work day. Later I’ll walk to the grocery store to get some exercise and I’ll listen to my favorite podcast for a little “me” time. I am so grateful I can afford to put healthy, organic food on the table for my family.

Gratitude is among the top advanced #lifeskills. It’s important to remain grateful, even during life’s challenges to raise your vibration and be more open to the lesson. If you choose to stay in a negative place, you’re just inviting more of that in.

Step 3: 

Don’t confuse complaining w observations. For example: “It’s hot outside” is an observation. “It’s hot outside and I hate living in this city” is a complaint. There’s a difference!

You’re also allowed have and notice negative experiences. It can’t always be “good vibes only.” Just remember you might not always be able to control what happens to you, however you have a CHOICE in how you react to any situation that’s thrown your way!

 

Sooooo interested to open this up with you guys! Do you find yourself complaining often? If so, do you do anything to try and counteract that shit?

PS: if you’re down with these types of conversations you should totally consider joining NakedNourished! Your nutritionist, personal trainer and life coach all wrapped into one sexy package! I will be writing a full blog post about the launch of NakedNourished this week!!