Wednesday, September 8, 2010

strike update: week one


The morning of day 2 of my strike dawned with the sounds of a jackhammer pounding away at the concrete in my neighbor's front yard.

It seemed like a good opportunity for some complaining, especially since Danny's bedroom window is very much within earshot of that front yard and that jackhammer.

I said nothing, mostly because there was nobody awake to say anything to. Cate was asleep (thank goodness) at the other end of the house and Dan had already left for work. Danny stayed asleep through the noise. He didn't wake up until 8:30. That's unheard of for him these days. He's up before the sun more days than not. I'm calling it a tiny miracle. The chance to complain about all that noise waking up my kid...gone.

A few reflections about not complaining this week:

I've had a lot less to say.

I've taken more time to think before I do speak.

I'm pretty sure Dan thinks everything has been hunky dory around here every day because that's what I tell him when he asks. Usually I say lovely but I think I will start saying hunky dory more.

I've had more patience with my kids.

I feel happier (most days).

I find myself thinking about what I can do to make other people happier more often.

I'm proud of myself for giving this a try.

I wish I'd done it sooner.

I preface things with "these are the facts" a lot more. That way Dan knows I'm not complaining about things. Just telling it like it is.

Tone of voice matters a lot when you're trying to state the facts instead of complain.

I don't even complain very much in my mind anymore either. I was good at that.

Going on strike from complaining has helped me fulfill my New Year's resolution better than ever. If I don't complain about something, I don't dwell on it. When I don't dwell on things, it's easier to just let it go, deal with it, get over it and move on. Complaining really gets in the way of all that.

I take responsibility for things. If I'm tired I don't complain and say, "These kids are making me so tired!" I just keep my mouth shut and realize that maybe I should go to bed before midnight. That would help with the being tired. It's not really my kids' fault.

I notice when other people are complaining more and I realize that I don't like the way it sounds.

I'm not perfect.

I've got a long way to go.

I feel like I've made a good start.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

I think it's really amazing that ANYone has made it 2 days sans complaints. I'm not sure I could do it, but you've inspired me to give it a shot. :)

Judy said...

nice job!

Carrie said...

We could all learn a lesson from you! I will try to think before I speak a little more. It drives me crazy when people complain all the time, although I know I'm sometimes guilty of it.

Christie said...

You inspire me. I really need to give this a go.

Mommy Kerin said...

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by my blog today! I am now following you back.

Crystal Escobar said...

oh wow, you are amazing! I really should try something like this, I'm sure it would help your overall mood, focusing on the good :)
I'm new to your blog, absolutely LOVE it. So glad a came across it.
Following you now. I look forward to getting to know you better!

karis lamb said...

i am now a follower! :)

karis lamb said...

i am now a follower! :)

ChildTalk said...

Awesome. :)

w1derboy said...

You're right. I will definitely limit my complaining about recipe posts.

Sam said...

That's great! I really need to work on this as well...especially the taking responsibility for my words and actions(like it's my fault I stay up late:). I'm a new follower from your comment on my blog:)