In between watching Big Bang Theory episodes, I surfed Facebook. I was already feeling crappy, but my mood deteriorated further as I read status after status from my Facebook "friends" that were littered with complaints, animosity, and depressing statements about life, school, parents, etc. I was less than excited about the amount of negativity that consumed my news feed, so I finally began deleting the chronic complainers. Why had Facebook become such an outlet for depression? If it weren't for those few people praising the Sharks or posting awesome pictures of their adventures, Facebook would pretty much be Whinebook.
Being exposed to so much negativity really took a toll on my mindset. I felt claustrophobic in a sea of sadness and bitterness. I began to see that being negative was a massive waste of time. Don't get me wrong - I'm an offender as well. I complain all the time about the LAMEST things. I had to give myself a wake up call - having to move desks at work is probably the dumbest thing I could possibly complain about. It's all about perspective. Who cares if the desk is on the roof - at least it's a desk at a full-time, paying job that I love.
A friend of mine, Happy (yes, her name is legitimately Happy) gave me a purple, rubber bracelet awhile ago with the words "a complaint free world" printed on it. It's part of a 29-day program (because that's how long they say it takes to form a habit) in which the wearer has to switch the bracelet to the opposite wrist every time they complain. It really makes you aware of when you're complaining and what you're complaining about, and the end goal is to have little to no complaints at all. I don't actively participate in the program, but every time I see the bracelet I'm reminded of the amazing life I have and I forget the desire to complain about trivial details.
Negativity is literally a disease. I'm a FIRM believer in mind over matter. Whenever I couldn't fall asleep as a kid, my mom used to make me repeat out loud and in my head over and over "I can fall asleep, and I will fall asleep". Mom sure knew best, because I fell asleep every time. If you set your mindset in a positive direction, your life will follow. You'll be more successful, you'll be surrounded by better people and you'll lead a happier life...and best of all, you'll love every second of it.
Two days before my big desk move, they told me I was no longer moving. Funny how these things work out...:).
C.
