Thursday, June 7, 2018

No Complaining for 28 Days: An Angel Challenge

                           
Years ago, an unusual challenge was presented when Elliot and I visited a new Unity church in northern Virginia.  The woman minister asked the audience to give up complaining for the next 28 days. We were to pay attention to the subtle annoyances that often creep in: The coffee, too hot.  The  service, too slow.  The traffic, too heavy.  Look what they're doing now!  Why me?

The day-by-day drill was to pay close attention to all the grievances that hold back your good.

No complaining about anything...

Rather than complaining, we were to try giving thanks for everything.  The good, the bad, and the indifferent.  If the coffee is too hot, be thankful you have coffee.  If the traffic is backed up, be thankful you have a car and a destination. The idea was to silently reverse every negative into a positive in your mind.

And, if we happen to grumble, it's back to Day 1 with 28 days to go. 

Elliot and I decided to take the challenge.  It seemed doable until that very afternoon.  Our landlord stopped by the house with word that he would be selling the property.  We had two months notice to find a place to live.  Of all the times to commit to not complaining...  With only 60 days to locate a place, pack up the house, and move -- the timing was laughable. 

No complaining...  We laughed.

It turned out to be great advice.  I can't say that I didn't go back to Day 1 more than once.  But a subtle habit of complaining was brought to light.  And I had more peace by coming from gratitude for all the good taken for granted right now.

 As things turned out, synchronicity guided us on a whole new adventure, a move to Virginia Beach where we lived for the next eleven years.

An angel thought recently nudged, take a refresher course and practice the discipline for the next 28 days.  No complaining.  So here we go...

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen