Winner or whiner..!
Robert Clements
Friday, August 31, 2012 - Have just returned from a wedding at Hyderabad where my wife and I had a lovely time. We were put up at an officers mess and though the rooms were large, comfortable and spacious there were things that didn’t go like clock work; like we noticed the first night, that the air conditioner didn’t work, nor did the intercom, but the view from the balcony was beautiful, the coffee brought with military precision in the morning was a delight and generally we came back relaxed and refreshed.
My cousin, who had put me up, asked me as we left, how the stay was, “Just fantastic!” I said. Not for the life of me would I tell him about those little problems, because in general we had a whale of a time.
Of course, complaints in themselves are not bad things. I realize that something has to be addressed before it can be fixed, and I believe that there are times when dissatisfaction should be expressed.
What’s more, I realize that we all have different temperaments. Some people naturally see the glass half full, some see it half empty and some just see that they will probably end up washing it. Some people are naturally more accepting while others complain quickly. But a tendency to constantly look at what is wrong can become a habit. And habits can take over. I just don’t want to become a person who spends a lot of time just complaining. I find that if I fill my mind with the little irritants of life, I have no room, or energy, left for anything that nurtures and feeds my spirit.
No room for genuine appreciation. No room for understanding. No room for enjoyment. No room for fond memories. No room for storing a list of things that bring pleasure.
I actually believe there is much to feel good about. Like a humorist rightly said, “The next time you feel like complaining, remember that your garbage probably contains better leftovers which thirty percent of the people in this world would love to eat!” I want to leave room in my mind for a long gratitude list that I can readily recall when I need a boost.
I want to notice what’s good and right about the world. And I want to fill my heart and head with that which brings some joy so that I may go to bed each evening contented.
Attitudes are habits. Like television producer Barbara Gordon says, “While others may argue about whether the world ends with a bang or a whimper, I just want to make sure mine doesn’t end with a whine.” I can’t put it any better than that. What kind of person are you: A whiner or a winner?
—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com
My cousin, who had put me up, asked me as we left, how the stay was, “Just fantastic!” I said. Not for the life of me would I tell him about those little problems, because in general we had a whale of a time.
Of course, complaints in themselves are not bad things. I realize that something has to be addressed before it can be fixed, and I believe that there are times when dissatisfaction should be expressed.
What’s more, I realize that we all have different temperaments. Some people naturally see the glass half full, some see it half empty and some just see that they will probably end up washing it. Some people are naturally more accepting while others complain quickly. But a tendency to constantly look at what is wrong can become a habit. And habits can take over. I just don’t want to become a person who spends a lot of time just complaining. I find that if I fill my mind with the little irritants of life, I have no room, or energy, left for anything that nurtures and feeds my spirit.
No room for genuine appreciation. No room for understanding. No room for enjoyment. No room for fond memories. No room for storing a list of things that bring pleasure.
I actually believe there is much to feel good about. Like a humorist rightly said, “The next time you feel like complaining, remember that your garbage probably contains better leftovers which thirty percent of the people in this world would love to eat!” I want to leave room in my mind for a long gratitude list that I can readily recall when I need a boost.
I want to notice what’s good and right about the world. And I want to fill my heart and head with that which brings some joy so that I may go to bed each evening contented.
Attitudes are habits. Like television producer Barbara Gordon says, “While others may argue about whether the world ends with a bang or a whimper, I just want to make sure mine doesn’t end with a whine.” I can’t put it any better than that. What kind of person are you: A whiner or a winner?
—Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com
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