Yes, you heard me correctly. Complaining is indeed a luxury. Unless you are complaining about where your next meal is coming from, where you are sleeping tonight or how to get a pair of shoes you have it pretty good. I keep saying that we have to stop taking so many things for granted and if we have all the above mentioned things we are way ahead of many in this world. We have to start being grateful for the fact that we are born in a developed country and our main concerns are not mere survival.
Historically speaking it hasn't been that long that we have had the luxury of our basic needs being met. Most of us were born in that situation. Honestly, if you are born in the United States you have won the lottery. I'm not saying that life in the US is perfect but there are a lot of opportunities to better yourself. Once you basic survival needs are met that is when we start to focus on other things like happiness. Or convenience.
Have you ever watched 'Little House on the Prairie'? Yes, it's one of my guilty pleasures that I still watch to this day. Going back only about 200 years ago their lives were all about survival. And convenience? There was nothing convenient about their way of life. It would take three days just to make cheese. They certainly didn't have time to sit around thinking about how to be happier or more fulfilled. Most of their waking moments were spent trying to avoid being eaten by a bear or where their next meal was coming from.
This is not to say that I'm discounting your desire to better your life. On the contrary. I'm trying to prove to you how far ahead you already are. And when you complain about things it really is a luxury to be in a position to do so. Traffic sucks? It would be worse if you didn't have a car. Does it take a long time to get to work? At least you have a job to get to. Many don't have that luxury, especially right now. Hate your boss? Who doesn't? You have a way to pay for all your basic needs and have a lot of day left when you don't have to deal with him or her.
The next time you complain about something ask yourself if you didn't have that thing at all. Is your spouse giving you a hard time? Would it be better to not have a spouse? If the answer is yes, then make plans to get out of the marriage. Are they kids driving you crazy? There are a lot of people who were never able to have kids. The next time you complain you have nothing to wear how full is your closet really? Lacking in the love department? Does that mean you are independent enough to support yourself and provide for all your own basic needs? Then you are ahead of a lot of others.
I'm not saying that you should never complain again. Just that when you do it, realize it really is a luxury. When you are complaining about something just ask yourself if you weren't in that situation at all. Would that be better or worse? Start to realize that even though our lives aren't perfect we are in pretty good shape and things can always be worse. Start looking on the bright side. When you hear a complaint come out of your mouth counteract that with what you are getting out of the situation.
We are all truly blessed to be born in a time of such abundance. Yes, you have to work for what you want. There are things that are expected of you to keep those basic needs coming in regularity like showing up to work everyday. But you choose your job. If you don't like something about it then change it. I know this all easier said than done but that is a fact of life. Everything is easier said than done. But you are the one with the power. You are the master of your destiny. When you complain about something you need to take stock of how good you already have it or change the situation to make it better.
Tuesday already?! I hope you have a fantastic day. Go be your badass self. And always remember, I'm here...cheering you on.
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