The 21 day stop complaining challenge

After reading that title do you think it’s even possible? My sweet friend invited me to the challenge two days ago but I didn’t see the notification until today. Yesterday was blown as I had a few complaints about my oldest child’s behaviour. Today I had a disagreement with him as he got ready for school. His first official “I’m there more then two days back to school week.” Coupled with his little brother going to preschool has made this an emotionally charged week for us all. So when I saw the invitation waiting for me in my inbox I was intrigued instantly. 

So I go back to my original question is this even possible? Yes I believe so with a lot of perseverance and willpower. I decided I would be mindful today and for the next 19 days I would vigilant to stop myself from complaining. With this being my introduction I’m finding this very hard, I messaged another friend for accountability. I even had to unplug for the afternoon because what I was reading was creating judgements and complaints in me. 

  
I know this is important to me to at least make an effort so if I complain verbally, I will have to do 10 burpees. To me that’s one of the worst exercises known to mankind. So every time I break my pledge to be complaint free I will be a burpee, sore, sweaty mess! I’ve found as soon as I decided to commit to this challenge all reasons for me to complain came in like a gale force wind. I had to unplug from the Internet and all its triggers. I was constantly surprised of my reactions  of everything I was reading. I had to shout stop the sanity can’t we all just get along? Can we appeal to our angels of nature and spread kindness instead of ugliness? 

Why do people have to be keyboard warriors than supporters online? I was once told whatever anyone thinks about you is none of your business. It’s so true it really isn’t and I can happily go on the rest of my life not knowing. But all you have to do if you’re feeling bored, ignored, or curious is state an opinion whether digital or print and then you know what everyone thinks of you and then some! I have found I’m a complainer I see too many rainy or cold days and I complain, I stub my toe in the dead of the night making my way to the bathroom I loudly complain. 

  
This challenge has taught me in literally one day how much I need to change that knee jerk reaction to life. I can think of these next days as challenging and the universe will make sure I get what I expect. Or I can think of this as a way for me to be mindful, kind, and a more positive person to be around. I’m going to document this challenge and see the changes it brings out on me. We all can make a difference in the world and if it starts with something as simple as changing a thought, curbing my tongue, and not having to do another burpee as punishment then I’m all for it! So who’s with me? It’s never to late to spread a little love and kindness to everyone you encounter. You can sign up at Stop Complaining 21 day challenge where’s there’s accountability and a support. Thank you! 

Jeanine Lebsack

Writer, research assistant, podcaster, reiki healer, and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. On my writing journey Iโ€™ve discovered a plethora of passions including writing, researching, entertaining through song and dance, with a desire to explore and create something transformational and healing. I believe in the sacred art of storytelling and that thereโ€™s power in the written and spoken word. Join me on my journey using the magic of words, music, and heart song. I believe we create ripples of energy that flow throughout the universe and by sharing our stories it creates change, positivity, and healing. Have a listen to my podcast on Spotify and Anchor at House of a Writer.

16 thoughts on “The 21 day stop complaining challenge

    • 12 September 2015 at 1:30 pm
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      Thank you Mike, it’s a challenging thing to take on but I at least owe to myself to find out what I’m capable of. ?

      Reply
  • 12 September 2015 at 4:36 pm
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    Maybe. I’m afraid that I will complain about not being able to complain. It’s worth a shot, right?! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
    • 12 September 2015 at 7:12 pm
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      Absolutely worth a shot Holly! The most important thing is recognizing a complaint pattern and reaffirming yourself and choosing more positive thoughts and reactions. I slipped today for 5 mins so I have to do 5 burpees. I can’t stand them so I will watch myself more closely today. ?

      Reply
      • 12 September 2015 at 8:41 pm
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        True stuff. Sooo what about the pickup lane at school which is always a nightmare?! Should I bring meditative music? Oh man. The pressure. lol

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        • 12 September 2015 at 8:55 pm
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          Oh yes I agree a nightmare on wheels! Meditative music can help I keep some on my phone to click on at all stressful times. ?

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          • 12 September 2015 at 9:00 pm
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            I’ll have to think of something. There is a good classical station . . . it might do the trick

          • 12 September 2015 at 9:08 pm
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            Oh yes I love classical music Pachabel and Mozart are my personal favourites. I have this app on my phone called Bloom and it sends me peaceful messages throughout the day. And the happily app is awesome too. ?

          • 13 September 2015 at 12:00 am
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            It’s the best app I’ve ever downloaded and you can personally track your patterns of relaxation, meditation, exercise, hydration on the app and online. It’s brought me more balance in a year than any therapy I’ve attended. ?

    • 14 September 2015 at 12:41 am
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      Thank you so much please do check it out! I’m learning about my limitations and celebrating my successes each day. ?

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    • 14 September 2015 at 1:27 am
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      Thank you so much come and join its a wonderfully supportive group. ?

      Reply
  • 17 September 2015 at 1:30 am
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    I feel like this post was written TO me lol! I think I invented the term keyboard warrior… ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Good luck with this! I could never do it, obviously!

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    • 17 September 2015 at 1:34 am
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      Oh well I take that as the highest compliment thank you! It has been challenging but I’m learning to redirect my thoughts and feelings. Today has been a struggle I won’t kid you, but I self reflect to do better and change my reaction next time. I’d rather do that than burpees any day. ?

      Reply

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