Tan Gibson

“If you don’t like something change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” – Maya Angelou

Love that! Too often we become comfortable in our complaints. Complaining not only puts us in a negative frame of mind and makes us miserable, but it also moves us backwards and leaves us feeling powerless.

Complaining attracts more complaining and more people that like to complain. The more we are surrounded by complaining, the less time our positive friends spend with us. We need and want those positive friends in our lives. They are the people that push us towards our goals, motivate us, encourage and support us. Pay attention to the people around you, the conversations you are engaged in and gravitate towards the positive.

The more time we spend complaining about a situation, the longer we stay stuck in the situation we are complaining about! Backwards I say! Take action. Even something as simple as stopping the complaint will initiate the change you are seeking. How? The more focus you put on what you are not happy with, the less you are able to see what you are happy with. Try it! Pick something small like a messy closet. Instead of saying “I hate this messy closet” start saying “I love it when my clothes are organized”. Little by little, you will begin to put your laundry away in a more organized manner. One shelf will become organized and soon another. Before you know it your closet will become organized. Because your mindset is focused on the positive aspect of the situation you will help that aspect grow.

As you begin to pay attention to those complaint tendencies, you will be able to take control of the situation faster and make changes. You will become more tuned into what is working and what is not. You will feel more empowered and in control because your reaction will be one that you choose with thought, intention and conscious choice.

Ditch the complainer in you! You DO have a choice, in how you respond, in every situation, in every day. Take control of what is not working for you and change the situation. If that is not possible, choose a positive attitude.

As always, be kind. Laugh until it hurts. And enjoy the positive side of life!

It happens to all of us.

From the moment we are woken, startled, by our alarm. Your heart jumps. Cortisol is released. The day starts.

You are running late. If you take the time to eat breakfast, it is as you are running out the door. Time is running out. More time is needed. Exhausting chaos.

Just in time. You make it to your office. Throw your bags down and log in, to find out you have to rush off to a meeting. Your stomach is growling. You just have time to get coffee.

You have new mail. The ‘bing’ is stressing you out. You are still catching up on yesterdays emails.

You have worked through your lunch. Another cup of coffee. The growling stopped. The headache has arrived.

Annoying people surround you. Everyone is pissing you off.

Shit. You are late again. Trying to finish off that last email before you head out the door. To pick someone up. To meet someone. To get home for dinner. Sitting in traffic. Sighing. Frustrated.

So tired. Cooking is unlikely. Pizza is easy to order – the kids will be happy. Or you call friends and go out. Wine will be great after the day you had. You deserve it. Raise that blood sugar. It feels good. Until you crash. There is always more.

Exhausted. Falling asleep should be easy. You WANT to sleep. You can’t. Your mind is racing. You toss. You turn. More frustration. Annoyance. Bigtime.

You look beside you. Someone is sleeping soundly. Peaceful sleep sounds. You hate them. You glare at them. Anger sets in. You want to punch the asshole. How dare they sleep.

You turn the other way. Pick up your mobile device. Check Facebook. Check email. Check the clock, its 30 mins before your alarm is going to go off. You finally feel tired. Calm. You give in. You fall fast asleep. Finally. Relief.

The alarm goes off. Your heart jumps.

Repeat.

It is time to change. NOW. Break the cycle. NOW! You deserve it. NOW!! It’s up to you.

Breathe. Take a break. Walk. Be present. Stop. Eat vegetables. Nourish your body. Exercise. Energize. Seek health. Glow. Look. Smell. Smile. Laugh.

You deserve it! NOW.

Be kind, laugh until it hurts and break the cycle. Ditch what isn’t working. Now. Don’t wait. Find the calm in yourself, the laughter in life and the joy in each moment.

Too often we dig our heals in. We don’t want to look older. We dread the number increasing.

Too often, someone leaves us, in their youth. Well before they should.

Too often, we forget, that aging is a true gift. A true privilege.

Embrace each year. Each candle. You earned it.

Say thank you.

Laugh from your belly. Smile from your heart.

Feel the gift of life.

Happy Birthday!

I’ve taken a long break. To refocus. To rebrand. Stay tuned. Changes are a coming!!