Complaint-Free World: Addendum
People have asked if there is a difference between a concern and a complaint. Personally, I think there is.
A complaint is something of which you have control over just by changing your outlook and resolving the problem on your own.
Here are some examples...
Complaint: "I hate my job."
Solutions:
* Find aspects of your job that you do like and focus your energy there. Perhaps you like your coworkers but you don't like the tasks. Spend some time with your
coworkers, perhaps over lunch or engaging with them about what they like about their job.
* Take initiative. Ask your supervisor/coworkers if you can assist with a project you have had your eye on that you know you can bring to fruition.
* When all else fails, seek employment elsewhere. Your job/work should be a place you look forward to, not a place you dread.
Complaint: "He won't help around the house."
Solutions:
* Tell him what you want. Believe it or not, the one you love may not know what is bothering you.
* Tell him you too are tired after working all day and you want him to share in the responsibilities with you... and make it fun; play your favorite CD while cleaning or cooking.
* Prepare meals together on the weekend so all you have to do is heat them up on the week nights. If he wants to watch the game, watch it with him or have it on in the background. Even if you don't know a football from a soccer ball, just being there with him will mean the world to him.
* If all else fails and he will not comply or communicate, then perhaps you may have to reevaluate your relationship overall... but that's a whole other topic.
A concern, is something that you may or may not have control over but you can still change your outlook.
Here are some examples:
Example: "I am concerned that I may not be able to pay all my bills this month."
Solutions:
* Sometimes not having enough money means you are holding on to something. So find areas in your life where you can give donate/give of your time (volunteering) or donate clothes to the Goodwill, or tithe to your church.
* Turning it over to God will free you of the worry. Prayer works.
Example: "I am concerned for the people in Haiti."
Solution:
* Donate money to one of the many good charities out there.
* Hold them in prayer.
* If you feel called and compelled to do so, go there and offer your services.
Complaint or concern? Perhaps just symantics. In any event, there is always a resolution.
Click Here to View my Blog: “Complaint-Free World”