I’ve been doing a lot of complaining lately.
Our house isn’t selling quick enough.
My husband is commuting to Seward five days a week. This translates to very long days with my kids and a shortage of family time at night.
The only alone time we can squeeze out of the day comes late at night when we’re both comatose on the couch, and the longest stretch of “togetherness” falls between 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.
On a good night we both sleep in our marital bed. But lately, he rattles the room with exhaustion snores and I escape to the guestroom. In quiet solitude, I spend an hour running through the events of the next day in an effort not to overlook something I scheduled.
The recent exponential quantity of gray hair growing from my scalp requires immediate attention and extreme measure. I think it’s time to bite the bullet and buy the dye.
I can’t find and get commitment from babysitters over the age of 12. Aren’t there any 18-year-olds who can drive, want to earn some money, and drink my Diet Coke?
As if all of this isn’t enough… “Private Practice” ended.
I told you I’ve been doing a lot of complaining lately.
All my complaints were thrown into perspective when I watched a recent CBS Sunday Morning profile on Nick Vujicic.
Nick is a 31-year-old motivation speaker and evangelist. He’s written two books, swims, skydives, golfs, plays soccer, and enjoys making his own breakfast. He was married in 2012 and he and his wife are expecting their first child.
Seems pretty ordinary right? Until you catch a glimpse of him.
Nick was born without arms and legs. Now he seems pretty extraordinary, huh?
So many things about him shock me, grow me, and marvel me. But perhaps what has transformed me most was this comment: “I’ve really embraced being thankful for what I do have, instead of being angry for what I don’t have.”
Talk about a paradigm shift.
What if instead of complaining that my house won’t sell, I’m grateful for the shelter? A new job? Our ability to afford another home?
What if instead of complaining about my absent/snoring husband, I’m thankful for our strong, loving marriage, that produced two beautiful children?
What if instead of complaining about grey hair, I’m thankful for my health and mindful I haven’t experienced chemo ravaging my body.
Complaining about babysitters and a TV drama series, Jessica? Get a grip!
Sure, there are day-to-day annoyances of unfairness, frustration, and circumstances we would like changed. How easily we can let these become our focus, shifting our attitude to selfishness and pessimism.
Unfortunately, negativity breeds more negativity.
I’ve resolved to stop complaining.
If Nick can find joy in his circumstances, then I should at least try to stop whining about mine.
Will you?
For more about Nick and his mission visit http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/
Jessica Brashear is married with two children. Read her blogs here on momaha.
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