The Complaint Department Is Closed

See if you can catch yourself complaining in either speech or thought, about a situation you find yourself in, what other people do or say, your surroundings, your life situation, even the weather. To complain is always nonacceptance of what is. It invariably carries an unconscious negative charge. When you complain, you make yourself a victim. Leave the situation or accept it. All else is madness.
~ Eckhart Tolle

This quote, which appeared in Mastin Kipp's daily newsletter yesterday, hit me right between the eyes. The more I thought about it, I realized how much complaining I do and how counterproductive it is. It does nothing to improve my circumstances; as a matter of fact, it seems to promote a general feeling of discontent. For example, it was chilly outside when I took my dog out this morning. Barefoot, dressed in pajama pants and tank top, I was shivering--and grumbling--by the time Karma finished his business. But it's October in Atlanta; chilly mornings are to be expected. Suddenly recognizing the futility of being upset about this, I stopped myself, took a deep breath, allowing the resistance to pass through me. I smiled, acknowledging the change in seasons, hustled back inside, pulled on a pair of fuzzy socks and a comfy sweater, and started my morning coffee. And just like that, my whole attitude towards the day had shifted.

The lesson here? If it is within my power to change something I don't like about my life, I will change it. If it is not, then I will accept it with gratitude. I refuse to continue to add to the din of crazy in the world with any more useless complaining.