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.