Comment or Complaint?

Catch yourself before you fail.

I don't believe that we listen to ourselves as often as we should. Yes, there's something to be said for speaking your mind and being honest (though not brutally so). Those are admirable traits, especially when combined with kindness and consideration. But when we take the opportunity to really listen to ourselves, we might not like what we hear.

For instance, do you know if you make comments or complaints? And, really, what's the difference?

"This sucks" – obviously a complaint.

"That was an interesting show because..." – obviously a comment.

"She was unkind to me today" – perhaps not as obvious.

In my experience, complaints slip out of our lips faster than we even realize we're formulating them. I can't tell you how many times a day my internal monologue diverges into some negative remark (read: complaint) about my day, what I'm doing, someone I'm around, etc. It's obnoxiously easy. And it's unfortunately second nature at this point. This is not to say that I constantly complain, but I rarely realize when I do.

My point? Let's be conscious commentators.

It's okay to observe something and have an opinion. Hell, it's even okay to express that opinion if it's the opposite of others around you. Opinions are learning experiences as long as you are also open to hearing other peoples'. But, too often, observations become inferences that become complaints.

I'm making a pact with myself to observe my thoughts and inner monologue. That's where the complaints start so if I can acknowledge them there and turn them into comments or, even better, into positivity, I am taking a step toward reflecting the kind of world I would like to live in. I encourage you to try it as well.

New mantra:

"This is an opportunity."

#comments #positivity #encourage #thoughtfulness