30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 30

My last blog on being complaint-free.

It has been a relatively easy month to do this because I haven't been at work. That being said, life always has its challenges.

August has certainly zoomed by and I think I have appreciated most of it! Obviously there are always times when things aren't as I would have liked - remember Liskeard?! But there are always lessons in these events. I guess what I have learnt is

• Do things that make me happy
• Consider whether in a year it will still matter - if not then let it go
• Get fit, eat well and get enough rest - in common with most people, I am always in a much better, more positive frame of mind when I am not tired, hungry and feeling less than my best
• Remember that 'it too shall pass' whether it  is the good times or the bad. Change is a given, how I deal with it is up to me. Nothing is permanent. So fully appreciate the good times and savour them.
• Lighten up and see the funny side more

So thank you for reading my blogs/ramblings. I have had fun writing them.

Any ideas for my next blogs? I thought maybe the joys/trials of being a gluten-free vegetarian or progress on my daily steps with my Fitbit and the effect this is having on my health, wellbeing and weight - or should I just stop?!

Happy September - may you have noting to complain about!

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 29

Today was the day of the walk which turned out to be 8 miles long. Considering it was local it was a very pleasant walk taking in fields, roads, a village, the sea, country lanes, a coffee shop and a pub! What's not to like?

By the end of the day I had clocked up 23,000 steps which gets the week off to a very good start.

I do like to walk and used to walk far more than I do now.

I watched the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on tv for the first time in the evening and really enjoyed it - especially the Jordanian wave(!). The best bit was seeing bits of Edinburgh. I so enjoyed my stay there in March. It was a birthday pressie from my daughter and son-in-law. I really love the city, which was a surprise to me. I am looking forward to going back later in the year.

I am approaching the end of my complaint-free month of August. I have enjoyed writing about it. I haven't managed to be completely complaint-free - not finding a small bottle of water in a supermarket got the better of me, and I do remember a few complaints earlier in the month, though I can't remember what I complained about. I suppose that is the point - if I can't remember what I was complaining about only a few weeks later then it clearly wasn't worth having a moan in the first place! 

They say that before complaining you should ask whether it will still be important in a year and if not, then let it go. Wise words, I think.

I will miss writing a short blog each day. Maybe I should find another topic to write about?!

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 28

A wonderfully blustery day.

Only in this country could the weather change so much overnight! From gloriously warm, balmy and still to quite chilly, windy and wet. So a fairly lazy day was called for. However, I still need to get my steps in so a walk on was needed. 5 days before it was 30degrees, still and sticky. This time it was considerably less than 30 degrees (closer to 17), blowing a small gale and quite damp and drizzly. I got very blustered - and it was wonderful!

Strangely though, the walk didn't yield many steps. I was struck by the fact that on some days steps are easy to achieve and on others doing seemingly the same distance results in only half the steps. That being the case I had an evening walk to top up.

I enjoyed a relatively relaxing day. I finished my book and am now wondering which of the 5 I have waiting will be my next. I really must try not to buy any more books for a few months!

Longer walk being planned for tomorrow.

How is your bank holiday going?

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 27

15,000 effortless steps and a film.

On a gloriously warm day I decided to go to Gunwharf today to see the Jason Bourne film. Sat upstairs on the ferry because that is always fun. I didn't expect to get many steps in, so I was surprised to end the day with 15,000.

I seem to have ended the day with a new suitcase and rucksack - hmm, not sure how that happened. I thought I would have a look and see what was on offer and found one I liked so popped back after the film to get it. Now, anyone who nows me will realise that I am not a great fan of rucksacks. It took a lot of effort to find a rucksack I was prepared to use in March when I needed one for a wonderful trip to Edinburgh with my daughter. The family went through trauma trying to persuade me to buy one.

The thing is - the suitcase I liked was a grey/brown colour. All through the film I had this niggle in the back of my mind that my rucksack wouldn't go with it, so I would need to buy the black case. Silly, I know. I am sure that having matching luggage isn't the done thing any more, but it bothered me. SO - imagine my joy when I discovered that they had a matching rucksack! So now I have 2 rucksacks!

Anyway, it was a great day.

How was your bank holiday Saturday?

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 26

20,225 steps!

I did this in 1 walk to Waitrose and back, plus walking round the house. Will I still be able to walk tomorrow?

I chose a very hot day to walk and drank over a litre of water. It brought home to me how fortunate I am to have easy access to clean drinking water. Many people have to walk far farther than I did just to collect dirty water to drink. 

At lunchtime the latest newsletter arrived from WaterAid - a charity I support. It made me realise how lucky I am.

Being Friday it was also bed change and house clean day. As I changed my bed I pondered how blessed I am to have such a comfortable bed and a selection of clean sheets to change. I would think that the majority of people in the world don't have this. Cleaning the house made me aware how fortunate I am to have a roof over my head and a house to clean, so many don't enjoy that privilege.

Then there was ironing! Now I do like ironing - I find it a very creative activity. But I also realised that I am so lucky to have a change of clothes (well, several actually!) and so I enjoyed the ironing even more - with a glass of Pimms to celebrate achieving so many steps.

We really are very blessed in this country and I finished the day with a greater sense of this.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring - and how many steps?

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 25

16,000 steps.

I achieved my goal of between 15,000 and 20,000 steps! Yes. It took 3 walks but I did it. Just need to keep it up every day.

It was gloriously warm, with just a little rain. I cleaned out the inside of my car and washed the car rug. I will get the outside washed this weekend. I love the feeling of getting into a really clean car.

I read a lot and did the grocery shop. There was no major washing to be done (just the car rug) and, therefore, no ironing. Managed a guided meditation and made a glorious smoothie drink with some over-ripe bananas, almond milk, vanilla and honey. OH it was so delicious. I now know what to do with bananas that are too ripe to eat.

So, I am looking forward to a long walk tomorrow to attempt to get my steps done in 1 walk instead of 2 or 3.

Happy days.

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 24

Woohoo! I managed 11,000 steps today. That is the most I have done since I was in Falmouth last Wednesday. It isn't as many as I would like but it shows what I will have to do to get 15,000 to 20,000 steps when I am not on holiday.

I had a great walk along the beach this afternoon where there was almost no breeze - how often does that happen in this country? It was lovely to have the roof of the car down too, I love to feel the breeze in my hair. 

In the evening I went for another walk and I didn't need a cardi. I can't remember that last time I was able to walk in the evening in this country without needing a top to keep warm. Awesome.

This type of heat happens so rarely that it would be churlish to complain. There are ways to cool down, even if it means staying indoors. I remember summer days when my children were small. We used to fill up the paddling pool and while they played in it I just sat on a chair beside it, dangling my feet in to stay cool. Happy days.

I also chatted to both my children this evening which is always a blessing. So a great day. 

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 22 & 23

Oh dear, another combined day.

Not able to blog yesterday as I was in bed with awful headache and associated ailments.

Happily I am recovered today.

However, in the spirit of not complaining I was grateful that I had got all the washing and ironing cleared and coking done before feeling unwell.

I was also grateful that I was home and not in Cornwall and that I had the time to devote to feeling ill without any guilt about letting anyone down as I had no major plans for the day.

It does feel wonderful to be up and about and eating again today.

I have rather a lot of steps to make up - so it's off for  walk along the beach soon, and maybe even a local evening walk if the rain holds off. So happy that I can think of walking today.

What do you appreciate today?

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 21

Order is completely restored - and who knew how much caterpillars love nasturtiums?

All the washing is now complete and I have collected my plants from my daughter who has looked after them for me (along with grandson, who seems to be a less-than-enthusiastic gardener!) while I have been away. All are still alive - along with some extras. Thousands of caterpillars! Who knew that they love nasturtiums so much?!

I have decided that as I am not currently in Cornwall I can bring some Cornwall into my life here. Now previously this has involved attempting to import Cornwall here stone by stone- seriously I have so many stones in the garden collected from Cornish beaches! This time I am taking a different approach. I am asking myself, 'if I was in Cornwall, what would I do?'

So, this morning I got up early and went for a walk - the views weren't as pretty, but I got out as I would if I was there.

I have opened up as many windows and doors as possible to get the air into the house  - and this is easier here as the breeze is less strong.

I have sat and read some of the book I am currently reading (which just happens to be set in Cornwall! Bet you didn't see that one coming?!).

I am about to do some sewing and then I will do some baking, reiki and finally meditate before an evening walk.

It is as close as I can get to being in Cornwall for now and I will be pleased to do this. 

No complaints - absolutely none. The sun is shining and I am doing what I can.

What are you doing to get closer to the life you would like to be living?

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 20

The wind did blow and there was some rain.

I am happy to be safely back, it felt right somehow.

So, I had a busy but relaxing day - got some weeding done and 3 machine loads of washing - which will be dry by the morning.

All unpacked, cases back in the loft - order is restored.

I have brought back some insights from the holiday which I am eager to use in  my life.

I have decided that I need to take what I love about Cornwall and install as much of it in my life as I can HERE & NOW.

It has been a good day. I achieved a lot and I am looking forward to the shopping arriving tomorrow so there is fresh fruit & veg in the house again. I didn't bring any back with me and it has been a challenge. However, there was good food and wine so I am very lucky. 

I haven't achieved many steps for the last 2 days. In fact I haven't wanted to look at the daily totals! Never mind, I will address this issue tomorrow with more activity and a walk - the wind should have dropped by then.

Life looks good. I am grateful and so I am not able to think of anything to moan about. 

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 19

Travelling, Liskeard & Honiton.

The day dawned with strong winds and rain and I wondered at the wisdom of leaving the packing of the car until the morning- the roof needs to be lowered to get the cases onto the back seat! It looked as if the inside of the car would get very wet! The decision to leave early seemed correct.

But, as so often happens, suddenly it all cleared, the wind dropped and the sun shone brightly. The decision to leave early was looking less correct.

Choosing to avoid the high Bodmin route due to the forecast high winds and feeling peckish detoured into Liskeard for a spot of lunch. Hmm. I know that as a gluten-free vegetarian I am not easy, but really....

To be absolutely fair Liskeard has some outstanding architecture - some truly beautiful buildings, but really we should have taken the hint from the universe when we couldn't find a car park. However, hunger caused us to ignore the signs to leave and try elsewhere. When we eventually found a car park and wandered round the town I really thought that I had stumbled back in time! It is lovely that they have so many old, established independent shops and so few chains (I counted 3) but does the stock have to date back to the 50s or 60s? Really the whole town should be marketed as a museum! Obviously my dietary requirements proved challenging - I ended up in a pub with 2 sides - chips and salad. Still it filled a hole and off we set, back to the 21st century.

I know it isn't, but the lower route seemed much longer than the Bodmin route.

Reached Honiton - much more like it. A good mix of old, established and new. I like Honiton. Had 'brinner' (apparently breakfast for dinner) in Boston Tea Party served by the most cheerful and delightful  group of people. They were all so happy and helpful and smiley I forgave them for running out of gluten free bread!

The rest of the journey was marked by delays and heavy traffic - Friday is clearly not a good day to travel. But we arrived back safe and sound, which is the important thing.

I love Cornwall, but it feels good to be back.

Sadly today had complaints about Liskeard, but apart from that it was another complaint-free day.

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 18

Fog, forecast of storms and decision time.

Awoke to fog and the comforting sound of the lighthouse foghorn. Bliss.

On checking the forecast I discovered that storms were on the way - at their worst on Friday night through to all day Saturday. 50+ mph winds and rain. This isn't really what you want to drive home in, so took the decision to leave on Friday morning, a day early, to hopefully miss the worst of the weather.

The day, therefore turned into a day of last visit to Polpeor cafe for warm Grannies apple cake with clotted cream (seriously, if you ever get the chance to try it - do), last minute, local souvenir buying and starting the packing.

It has been a wonderful holiday and even though it is being cut short by 1 day due to the forecast of inclement weather, I still adore the place and can't wait to return.

This part of Cornwall is so natural, rugged and unspoilt. It is real. It is life. I love it and I am very grateful to have had 2 wonderful weeks here.

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 17

Falmouth (again), fog and a drop of rain.

The forecast was for rain so the decision was made to return to Falmouth rather than get muddy and wet on the planned walks. It was very misty so decided not to take the 'Park & Float' - visibility was too poor to be able to make the most of that option. Did the 'Park & Ride' and sat at the top of the bus to enjoy the views.

Wandered around the town, taking side roads when they looked interesting and getting an  idea of the full quirkiness that is Falmouth.

The options for eating are almost limitless - and I even discovered a place that does gluten-free, vegetarian pasties. Woohoo, I won't have to make my own and bring them with me in future!

The journey back was a bit scary as it was so foggy that it was difficult to see the road in front of the car. I was relieved that it was daylight. On returning to The Lizard the sound of the lighthouse foghorn signalled 'home'. Then it rained - oh my did it rain. 

And still no complaints. Even in damp and dismal conditions I still love Cornwall.

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 16

Falmouth.

In about 6 visits to Cornwall I had never visited Falmouth. Didn't think it would be interesting.

How wrong could I be?

I really rather like Falmouth. It has a quirky feel to it that I appreciate. Plenty of independent shops plus a smattering of the big high street names.

It looked glorious as we approached by shuttle bus with the quite narrow streets festooned in brightly coloured bunting.

There are boats going off to places on the other side of the estuary  and river tours (mentally booked for next time). It is steeped in history and has some glorious buildings (and some not so glorious, but we won't dwell on those).

The Maritime Museum is very interesting. I saw the yachts that Ben Ainslie won gold medals in and learnt so much about the Vikings that I didn't know.

I simply have to go back and explore some more.

Maybe even this week!

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 15

22,000 steps and an interesting tour of the Lizard Lighthouse.

Began the day with a glorious walk which went further than I had anticipated, but it was such a wonderful morning to be out and about that the walk just had to be extended.

Back for breakfast and shower.

Then coastal path walk to the lighthouse - the weather had deteriorated a bit but it was still lovely. I adore the feeling of the wind in my face which is just as well as there is a lot of wind here!

The lighthouse tour was led my Emma who is so very knowledgeable - she didn't pause for breath as she told us all about the history and technical details of the lighthouse. Amazing. I learnt so much. I also discovered that this particular lighthouse isn't very high - just 2 flights of steps.

Tea break at Polpeor cafe then back via the village. A glass of wine then back to the village for some of the delicious chips to go with dinner.

The ironing had to be done - I could barely lift the pile, but it didn't take too long and I had the beautiful view of fields and the sea to look at while  I ironed. Glorious.

I was a few steps short of 20,000 (my new daily goal) so it was out again to make up the shortfall. I actually got to 22,000 steps because it seemed such a shame not to cary on walking as it was such a beautiful evening on the coastal path.

So there is is - no complaints and another wonderful day.
I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 13

25,000 steps, 2 cute churches, rain and glorious sunshine.

The day began with an RNLI breakfast at the local school hall. It was a really well organised and delicious. It felt good to be supporting such a worthwhile charity. The locals were well represented, with whole families there, but we seemed to be the only holidaymakers.

After that a walk to Cadgwith via the church we had seen and not managed to find on previous walks. Oh, it is so wonderfully rural, simple and has such an old bell tower. There are ferns growing inside the tower and a memorial stone commemorating a death in 1692! That person would have been alive at the time of the Great Fire of London! I wonder if they would have known about it? Maybe not, this area is very remote and rural and in those days news of the capital may not have reached these parts. I wonder? There were many graves in the churchyard of people who lived in the 18th century. I love stones like these and always wonder what sort of life they would have lived - what did they wear, what did they eat and what did they do each day? It would be so interesting to find out.

Then on to Cadgwith - but first discovering what looked like a stone dog kennel (albeit for a very tall dog) in the corner of a field. On closer inspection it turned out to be a well for the church complete with a box of candles should a passer by wish to light one. I have never seen this before - fascinating. 

It rained in Cadgwith and was quite misty and I wondered whether dinner at Polpeor would happen. After tea and cake the return journey to the Lizard was made on the coastal path. It is perfectly clear that no roman ever came here! The path winds this way and that, up hill and down dale with slopes, steps, detours ..... All of which does mean that there is more of the glorious, unspoilt scenery to view and enjoy if you have the energy to take it in.

A short rest then off to Polpeor for dinner. The sun had come out and it was gloriously hot. Seats on the patio and delicious food and wine made it a memorable early evening. It really is a wonderful place to eat. The walk back was a struggle - mostly due to over indulgence but partly due to having walked so far. 

I couldn't rest with being just 1,000 steps short of a new personal best of 25,000 steps so set of again towards the village to secure the new goal.

Yes - achieved 25,000 steps. Only 1 week ago I was looking to 15,000 steps as a goal to be worked towards. What a difference a week can make - though I feel tomorrow may have to be a day to recover, I am officially exhausted! 

But no complaints - a gloriously memorable day.

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 12

It was cloudy for most of the day, but mercifully quite still which meant it felt quite warm. 

Had a toddle round Porthleven then did the grocery shop.

By the time that was complete the sun had come out so it was Pimms in the garden looking out over the sea, sat in the 'magic' circle of trees.

Scrummy chips from the local chip shop were eaten in the garden too.

After that a clifftop walk brought my step count to nearly 18,000 which was pleasing. A chat with a friendly local catching up on all the village gossip finished the day off well.

Another day of no complaints - even the pink house didn't elicit comment as I walked past.

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 11

It was quite easy to be complaint free on day 11.

• had a breakfast picnic on the beach at Kynance Cove.
• had a picnic pastie in the churchyard in The Lizard village
• read a lot
• went to investigate the Thursday whippet racing 
• walked 20,000 steps

Managed to arrive at Kynance Cove before it got too packed with tourists. It was high tide so there wasn't much beach space. Ate breakfast then adjourned to the cafe for pudding before setting off back along the coast route. The strong winds certainly blew away the cobwebs!

Picnic lunch in the churchyard was dry this time! 2 years ago it rained - from nowhere. The sky was blue with only a few white, fluffy clouds to be seen but it managed to rain so hard I had to seek refuge inside the church. This time it stayed dry. They had cut the grass since I was last here in June. I think it looked better with long grass - more atmospheric. I believe that pasties always taste better when eaten outdoors from paper. 

I am now getting into reading my latest book and enjoying it. I sat on the reclining chair and may have nodded off for a little while - oops!

Whippet racing - what can one say? I was surprised to see so many locals there. I stayed to watch 1 race and decided that was enough excitement for 1 day! It really isn't my thing, but the locals were enjoying it. It seemed to be an opportunity for them to see friends and have a chat. Fair enough. I am glad I have experienced it.

However, the highlight of the day was that I walked more than 20,000 steps! Woohoo! That equated to more than 8 miles. I am pleased with that. I wonder how many times I will be able to achieve that again? Will I ever achieve 25,000 steps?

I am pleased with my progress - only a week ago I was struggling to make 10,000 steps. I have doubled that in a week with little effort.

I am wondering whether commenting unfavourably on a bright pink house on the coastal walk counts as complaining? It may well do, and if so I  am guilty. But really it has to be seen to be believed. I suspect it is only allowed to stay because it can be seen by ships at sea and warns them away from the rocks!

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 10

A lazy day.

I felt tired and quite cold so didn't do much apart from read.I finished my book,"The Swallow & The Hummingbird" by Santa Montefiore, which I really enjoyed reading.

Then visited the RNLI station just along the road at Kilkobben Cove. Very interesting.

I was grateful that I have not had cause to be rescued - it must be a frightening experience. I also developed a new appreciation for the RNLI crews who risk their lives to save people. Such incredible bravery.

It came out sunny and dry, which was lovely - but I still didn't go for a long walk. I even had an early night and a good, long sleep. Will feel refreshed and ready for action tomorrow!!

I suppose it isn't surprising how being cold and tired saps energy. I am just very grateful that I have a lovely cottage to stay in. The reality for many hundreds of years ago would have been a hard life with conditions much colder than this. We all have so much to be grateful for.

Today I even got to see one of my favourite views ever - as you reach the village end of Beacon Terrace and come to the crossroads in the village centre there right in front is a superb view of the sea. I love it every time I see it, and when I am here I get to see it every day.

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 8 and Day 9

Oops - 2 days in 1.

Well, It has been interesting.

I have endeavoured to remain complaint-free.

I have visited a local town and city and found little to buy - in fact only 1 pair of earrings, 2 books and some fudge to be given as a pressie. I am not complaining - in fact I am pleased with myself for seeing things I like but not feeling the need to buy them. 

I am discovering a capacity to like things but have no desire to own them. It is liberating.

Joy of joys - I had an ice cream with a gluten-free cone. I had no idea that they existed. It was lovely. I wonder how long it will be before they are more readily available? For anyone interested it was bought at the Hazlephron shop in Lemon Street Market, Truro.

Another joy was the fact that I have achieved 2 days of more than 15,000 steps each day! Woohoo! I am very pleased. I now need to work on how to fit this level of activity into my daily, working life at home. 

I am enjoying relaxing, walking, reading, eating and drinking - though not the local tap water. Need to buy some fruit tea bags to remedy this as I am aware my water intake had dropped dramatically. 

My only semi-complaint (which is really more of an observation) is that I would prefer a softer mattress on the bed. Bit of a first-world issue, really. So I remind myself that I am very lucky and blessed to have a bed and mattress with duvet, roof over my head and a lovely stone cottage to stay in. That puts it all in perspective.

So, 2 happy days.

No, 2 more happy days, with lots of laughs.

I look forward to today and all the joys and blessings it has in store.

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 7

Horrah! A whole week and I have learn't a lot.

It is really difficult to complain in Cornwall.

I am taking the time to enjoy each moment and find the joy in it.

Yesterday the weather went from cold and very foggy to  sunny but cool, to really quite hot and back to cool and cloudy. 

But it was still fun.

I walked more than 15,000 steps - equivalent to more than 6 miles and it was all effortless.

OK, nearly effortless. I did ask why no Stannah stair lifts had been installed on the South West Coastal Path for the bits where the steps are really rather high for one with short legs! Joking really.

So this morning I am looking out onto the fields and on to the sea. It is sunny and will doubtless be warm by the time I venture to the village for supplies.

I am very blessed.

Plan to take a picnic to a nearby town to wander the shops and enjoy a picnic on the beach. I always find something to buy when I am there - either original jewellery or t-shirts and tops. Whether I buy something or not I will enjoy browsing and stopping every so often for a coffee, wine or ice cream (or all 3). Oh the joy of having no particular plans. (Although tomorrow I may have an early  walk to Kynance Cove before the tourists arrive. I will take breakfast with me and wander back as they start to fill the beach. That will stop me complaining about them!)

Feeling happy and blessed.

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 6

Blogs will now be 1 day behind as it is easier to find the time to write in the morning.

I have probably completely lost the plot!

Even when someone had stolen the view overnight I couldn't find anything to complain about. Not even with the fog horns wailing all night. I found it all quite amusing.

So I have decided that from now on my mindset will be one of being playfully engaged with life and finding the fun in it! Told you I'd lost the plot!

I will report on how it goes.

Already the sun is coming out and the clouds are racing away.

As soon as the shopping has arrived and been stowed away I think it is time to enjoy the fresh air.

Days are happy when I don't complain :)

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 5

My only complaint today - not enough hours in the day. This is a good thing in my book

Oh and I did have a fleeting moan about a driver who followed me in turning right out of a junction and then proceeded to overtake me in a basic 2 lane road whilst there was clearly oncoming traffic. I have no idea what he was thinking of! I slowed down and moved in to allow the dangerous manoeuvre. All ended safely so no harm done.

I think that my complaint-free success came from feeling in a lighthearted mood - I didn't take anything too seriously.

I have also decided to make some new beliefs around myself which are more empowering so hopefully there won't be as much negative self-talk.

I really am finding this a useful experience as it is giving me the opportunity to take stock and ponder what is and isn't working for me.

Also what is and isn't worth complaining about. I have come to the conclusion that there isn't much worth getting irate about.

I am trying to ask myself whether it will still be important in a year - if not then I try to let it go

So a short post today - I still have things to do. I love not getting to the end of my lists!

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 4

A much better day for complaining. I do believe that the only complaining I did was to myself about myself, which is interesting.

I have been able to accept everything else from everyone else - but not myself.

I suspect most people are the same - kinder to others than they are to themselves. I have read about the way we wouldn't speak to anyone else in the same way we speak to ourselves - and I am doing just that. I am complaining about so many things that I do and how I do them. I eat too much, drink too little water, don't do all the jobs on my list .....

I could go on.

So I clearly need to work out a way to develop tolerance to the fact that I am not perfect and I am doing my best. I wonder how best to do this?

They say that people should talk to themselves in the same way they would talk to a dear friend and be as kind and patient as they would be with that friend. It makes sense because if we can't be our own best friend and show others how to treat us then we can't expect others to treat us well.

I still need to be a little more disciplined though. Trouble is, I am ultra-disciplined when I am working (i would never be able to get to work by 7am or get anything done if I wasn't) but when I am not at work routine and discipline go right out of the window! Hmm.

That needs a bit more contemplation.

On a positive note, my Fitbit seems to be working well. I have done over 20,000 steps over the last 2 days and it doesn't automatically skip to distance now, which is good. I'm still not convinced that it isn't counting my typing and cooking as steps, but we shall see.

And, I came up with a 'recipe' for my own gluten-free cauliflower cheese grills today to use up some leftover cauliflower mash. They were delicious. I will develop the recipe further, but the first attempt was an accidental  success.

Onwards and upwards.

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 3

Today I complained - long and hard about my new Fitbit tracker! Yup - technology got the better of me!

The thing is - all I actually wanted was a simple pedometer to track my steps each day and this Fitbit tracker seems to be so complicated!

OK, I accept that I haven't had great success with pedometers in the past. They have worked - spectacularly simply and easily. My challenge has always come in keeping them for very long. I seem to have spectacular success in killing them off! About half of my past pedometers have ended up falling down the toilet - nice! The rest have managed to pop off my waistband or belt as I have got out of the car and ended up either being trodden on by me or run over by passing cars! So I thought that the wristband might be a bit more secure. Though quite how something on my wrist can track my steps I can't quite imagine. The way I throw my arms about when I talk I imagine it could believe I have done several thousand steps before I have moved at all. 

But I remembered to think of a better feeling thought to stop the complaints and came up with 

1. I am very fortunate to have a Fitbit.
2. I am sure I will eventually come to love it and it will transform my fitness levels - necessary now I am 60 years old. I intend to grow old disgracefully and have fun and I need to be fit for that.
3. I am blessed to have a lifestyle that requires me to keep track of my activity. Most people in the world do so much walking just to survive that this is truly a 'first world problem'.

Then the traffic almost got the better of me. I decided to take the garden waste to the tip and it seemed that every time I wanted to do a right turn 'the world and his wife' were waiting to stop me! But I was not really in a hurry and clearly everyone else was, so I calmed down and decided to find it amusing.

So what are my thoughts and pondering on my complaining today?

Well, I can reach for better feeling thoughts when I realise I am about to get cross, I can do things that  make me happy, I can make sure I leave plenty of time so I don't have to stress when I get held up in traffic, I can see the funny side and I can try to do things to help other people. I just need to remember how very blessed I am and trust that everything will work out for the best in the end.

ON the plus side - I suspect there is little danger that this step tracker will drop down the toilet of fall under a passing car! That has to be cause for celebration.

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 2

Day 2 began well. 

I have been pondering ways to make being complaint-free an easier option and so far I have come up with 2 strategies to help.

1. Feeling grateful. It isn't possible to be critical, judgemental or complaining when feeling grateful.
2. Doing things that make me happy.

So I have used these 2 strategies throughout the day to help.

In fact I used strategy 2 last night after I had posted my first update. I signed up for a 12 week course of Tribal Fusion Belly Dancing! Woohoo! I am so excited. The course doesn't begin until September, but it should be so much fun and is something I have wanted to do for some time. I prioritised my happiness on this issue and it feels good.

Challenge 1 came when driving - traffic jams, traffic lights and other irritations. So I let people go in front of me where possible, took my favourite route along the seafront because I had time and remembered to be grateful that I wasn't in a hurry to be anywhere.

I had my hair cut - always a fun thing to do. I always enjoy my chat with Amy, my hairdresser and the rest of the crew. Today Amy had a tickle in her throat and cough she hadn't been able to shift which I could see it was getting to be a problem for her. So, after paying I popped into the local supermarket and bought her a bottle of honey and a bottle of lemon so she could try that combination in hot water to see if it helped. I dropped it into her before going to the car. She was so surprised which made me happy! 

I had lots of other successes in the course of the day - I managed to get a fitbit that I hadn't been able to get for a few weeks (I have no idea how to set it up and use it, but when it is working it will help me move more and get in at least 10,000 steps most days. I am 60 so keeping fit is a priority for me.) I signed up with a new dentist and  made an appointment, I chatted to people and had a few laughs. Life was fun.

I did some knitting - I made 6 little bees (picture of them when complete later in the week), I did some exercise on my exercise bike and watered the plants in the garden - the water butt is now full again thanks to the rain. I really love the evening ritual of watering the pots and checking out the growth. There is another chilli that will be ready for picking by the weekend. 

Yes, I was beginning to complain when I was stuck behind some slow-moving people in the supermarket but I remembered to be grateful that I am able to move quickly and easily. It also reminded me that I could probably do with relaxing and slowing down a bit - after all, I am on holiday.

So far, so good. I am enjoying the challenge and the happy results.

30 Complaint-Free Days 

Day 1

It is the 1st August and so I decided it was a good day to begin this new challenge. However, there are a few things you need to know at the outset.

1. I am usually quite a happy person, not given to moaning randomly, however I know and accept that I do my share of complaining, judging and moaning.
2. These moans are often in response to others - as a way of agreeing and forming a bond.
3. It will doubtlessly be a lot easier to achieve 'complaint-free' in August when I am not at work!
4. I'm not sure whether 'complaint-free' is just supposed to be spoken and written complaints or whether it includes complaining thoughts. I shall include thoughts as well to increase the level of challenge!
5. I am reminded of an account about NASA astronauts I read about some years ago. It took them a consecutive 25 - 28 days for their brains to rewire, so hopefully I will permanently change my outlook over the course of the month.

OK, so here we go with my thoughts, musings if you will on day 1 of the challenge.

The day began well. I had no thoughts about going 'complaint-free' for August until I checked out Facebook, so I began this challenge at about 7am.

I managed to be complaint free through breakfast, shower and hoovering. "Henry" (the hoover) behaved well which was a bonus! Lunch went well. I was even able to see the positive sides of the rain - the garden needs it, it will replenish the water butt and I won't have to water the plants today. Woohoo!

I needed to go to the supermarket to pick up a few bits. I had planned to walk and decided I could still walk, even in the rain. It wouldn't stop me if I was on holiday in Cornwall, so I wasn't going to let it stop me at home. I quite enjoyed the walk there and back and had the added bonus of a little light resistance training on the way back carrying the shopping.

While I was at the shop I found  a top I was looking for, but in navy blue, not in the white I had in mind. I decided to accept the greater wisdom of the universe and buy the navy and not complain about the absence of white. I also found some chia seeds I had been looking for (needed for my no-cook strawberry jam that I am going to make on Friday) so that was a bonus.

The day has continued well. I have found a dentist, had some relaxing time, finished the ironing finished the body of my latest tea cosy and exercised as I planned. I have listened to an amazingly inspiring post from Robin Sharma (always full of great ideas) and I am amending my plans for tomorrow to take account of new priorities.

I was even able to email my son's letting agent to tell them about an issue without complaining. I feel really good about that.  

The complaints have come mostly in the form of my thoughts to myself about myself. I have noticed them and endeavoured to turn them round to a positive stance. So my failing to have any salad and opting for a baked potato instead was accepted with grace and love. The chocolates were more of a challenge but I decided that I am on holiday  and entitled to a bit of a treat. I ate them before listening to Robin Sharma. I may be able to make a more enlightened decision when temptation strikes tomorrow!

So, all in all a positive start.

I am looking forward to seeing what happens and what changes as I progress through the days and weeks. I shall continue to report on the progress of the challenge.