Thursday, November 08, 2007

Have you ever been inspired....

(I feel like the next line should be "do you wiggle to and fro...do your ears haaaaang low!) Okay, enough of that silliness...


I heard an author interviewed on the radio yesterday and my mind has been skipping along thinking about all he said. I know I'm usually ten steps behind the rest of the human race so many of you may have already heard that Will Bowen is out to change the world one person at a time. His website http://www.acomplaintfreeworld.org/ explains his idea and gives you a good overview of the program.


Basically he believes that if we each became more positive in our thoughts, i.e. not complaining, gossiping, fault-finding, criticizing, etc....the world would be a better place. How can you argue with that beautiful thought?


I, myself, am a big complainer. I complain about the weather, I whine about my weight, I've been known to criticize my husband and nag my daughters....nothing positive in any of that. Mr. Bowen has the answer to my problem.....how to stay focused for more than two hours at a time in my effort to become a better me.


On the website he sells bracelets stamped with the slogan "A Complaint Free World". Assuming that, as modern behavior analysts have said, we can change a habit in 21 days, here are Mr. Bowen's instructions:




Begin to wear the bracelet, on either wrist. When you catch yourself
complaining, gossiping or criticizing (it’s ok, everyone does) move the bracelet to the other arm and begin again. If you hear someone else who is wearing a bracelet complain, you may point out their need to switch the bracelet to the
other arm; BUT if you’re going to do this, you must move your bracelet first! Stay with it.



It may take many months but when you reach 21 days without having to move the bracelet you will find that your entire life is happier, more loving and more enjoyable.


I love, love, love this idea. You can order the bracelets fairly cheaply, or he even offers up to three per household at no charge at all....that's how committed he is to changing the world.


I want to be part of a better world ... I'm committed to this. If you love this idea add it to your blog and pass the word along. Here are some more inspiring words from his website:




Complaining is not to be confused with informing someone of a mistake or deficiency so that it can be put right. And to refrain from complaining doesn’t necessarily mean putting up with bad quality or behavior. There is no ego in telling the waiter your soup is cold and needs to be heated up—if you stick to the facts, which are always neutral. ‘How dare you serve me cold soup…?’ That’s complaining.”—Eckhart Tolle, “A New Earth”



"If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change your attitude; Don't Complain." -Maya Angelou

3 comments:

Patti said...

That is a good idea! What would I do if I didn't complain though? Just Kidding!

Amazed said...

I love this idea! I'm not really a complainer but I might be surprised if I was wearing a bracelet. I really loved your ending quote by Maya A. I had to learn that if someone was stepping on my toes, I either needed to speak up or move on or let it go. We each need to take personal responsibility.

Sarah said...

I tagged you in a meme!