If gratitude leads to contentment, which then can result in the overarching state of happiness, it is crucial that we begin to understand ways to cultivate gratitude. There are lots of ways you can consciously work toward being more grateful for all the good you possess.
Let's review what's involved with a legitimate complaint. First, you have to know what it is that is truly the cause of your discontent. You must determine if your complaint is a productive one, with a solution, or if it is merely venting your frustration.
Constant complaining, as I shared with you in yesterday's blog post, can really hold you back. This happens when you gain a bad reputation as a downer who never has anything positive to say. People make all kinds of assumptions about the character of complainers, and they don't usually want to hang around such folks. Chronic complaining can cost you relationships, jobs and more.
If you have been reading my blog for the past week, the chances are good that you would like to lessen your complaining and grow your contentment. You could also be interested in learning more so you can help someone who has a habit of complaining.
It is true that complaining can become a bad habit that is hard to kick, overshadowing all the good things in your life and causing people to avoid you.
Ending the complaint cycle is likely to lead to greater happiness. When you consciously decide to make a change, you usually engage in some self-assessment. You take a hard look at what is bringing you down, what's at the root of your dissatisfaction.
We talked about how constant negativity and stress related to chronic complaints can lead to changes in the brain and body. I would like to follow up on the ways in which this process affects your brain.
People do not like to be around complainers. Hearing nothing but negativity from a friend or loved one is a huge turnoff for most folks. Constant complaining can be contagious. Have you ever noticed that it tends to be easy to slip into a habit of moaning and groaning when you are around a Negative Nancy?