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.