Tuesday, April 17, 2012

A thankful heart

I’ve lately been trying to turn every complaint I whine, whether verbally or mentally, into something to be thankful about. I’ve noticed that my complaints really aren’t issues to complain about. I tried, at first, just to say things that I was thankful for – my salvation, my husband, my family, my dog, my house, my job, etc. But it started being a list, and, frankly, even though I looovvveee our big, beautiful house, that big, beautiful space needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. And, as it is three times the size of our previous house, it takes longer to clean.

See how easily complaints can come around? I start talking about how much I love my house, and, within a few seconds, it can turn into a complaint. And I don’t want to be a complainer. I don’t like complainers, but I want to like myself. Solution? Don’t be a complainer. =)

I’m such a problem solver.

Here’s how my yesterday went…

Complaint: Why is it so cold outside? I wanted to wear my white skirt today.
Thanks: I’m so thankful I have warm clothes to wear – and a variety of them – and it feels so much nicer than it would if it were 90 degrees.

Complaint: Why is my silly phone not making phone calls?
Thanks: I am so thankful I have such a nice phone that, on a regular basis, does everything quickly and effectively. In fact, this is the first time it’s tripped up – and it may not even be my phone that’s messed up!

Complaint: I hate waking up so early in the morning.
Thanks: I love my morning times of doing my Nehemiah study, cuddling with my dog, drinking some coffee, and reading my books.

Complaint: I hate working on my dissertation.
Thanks: I love that I have relaxed a bit, thanks to prayer from my parents and my husband, so that I don’t feel as stressed about my dissertation. It’s coming along quite nicely, and it WILL eventually be done.

Complaint: Dinner didn’t taste as good as it looked in the picture on the recipe.
Thanks: I’m so thankful I have a husband who loved what I cooked (and he’s honest when he doesn’t like it, lol!) and that dinner was tasty and healthy.

It’s a good mindset to have. Life is hard. But it’s a lot harder if you (ahem, I) see every little nuance as a negative.

Don’t want to walk the long (sure, long – one minute-long) walk from the car into my building at work? Pssshhh. I am rocking those 4.75” heels (yep, got ‘em on right now).

Don’t want to work today? Whatever. I love my job. I love my students, my coworkers, and my work. I have a fabulous job.

Don’t want to work on dissy work today? Well…it’s almost done, LOL!!

There’s not always a silver lining…but most of the time, at least with me, there is. I just have to be willing to see it.

9 comments:

Aleta said...

My husband says it's all in the attitude if your day is going to be a good one or not. I like how you turned thoughts into positive ones :)

SusanD said...

Those are great turnarounds! Keep at it, girl. You're doing swell! :) Blessings, SusanD

sara said...

a great attitude to have and I think we can all relate!

Sommer said...

i'd go ahead and round up to 5" heels. take that quarter inch!!

i don't feel sympathy for your phone troubles because you did in fact get an iphone.

i can smell someone's italian dressing right now and it smells GOOD.

you forgot to be thankful for the kitties....

:)

Mari said...

Great post! We too easily get to complaining and I like yoru turnarounds.

Ginger said...

Eucharisteo in action. Ann Voskamp would be so proud. :)

Tara said...

It sounds to me like your trying to be a S.A.O.P. you know, a secret agent of positivity! Though, when I do it it comes out a little more sarcastic...

Brooke said...

i've had one of those days where i definitely need to adjust my attitude.

misti said...

That day it was cold, I wanted to run around like sophie outside when she does the crazy run.

I've been complaining alan's ears off lately...Im thankful he has ears for me to complain into.

See what I did there?

Thank you.