Choosing Gratitude Over Grumbling

Sometimes I feel fed up.

Fed up with all the nonsense I see on the socials.

Fed up with the lies, deception, complaining, bickering, and general nastiness that I witness in the world at large.

Fed up with the always-changing rules of engagement as I strive to be the best version of what people expect me to be or risk losing their trust.

Fed up hearing about the horrible way unsuspecting clients are being ripped off by web developers, marketers, and SEO “experts” who don’t really know what they’re doing but are often charging way too much for their services anyway.

Heck, I can even get fed up with the wind blowing the wrong way.

Just. Fed. Up.

Have you ever had days like that?

Nothing feels good, everything feels out of sorts, and it can swallow you whole…if you let it.

I’ve had my fair share of days like that. It feels like they’re happening more often than ever, too.

I’ve been fed up so much that I feel complacent about it now.

I certainly feel powerless. Who am I to help upright an upside-down world?

If I had that kind of power, I would encourage everyone to be grateful for everything. And I mean everything.

With that gratitude, comes a more positive outlook in life.

With that positive outlook, comes less negativity, complaining, and bickering.

And less of that means more hearing about the good things happening. The stuff that makes us happy and those who hear about it, too.

A happier world would be nice, wouldn’t it?

But of course, I don’t have that kind of power.

We have too much to complain about, point fingers at, and pity ourselves for to even want to try and make that shift toward happiness.

Such a utopia isn’t achievable.

But what if we at least made an effort?

What if every one of us strove to:

• Go one day without complaining.
• Walk outside and be grateful for our surroundings, even the wind.
• Think of ONE thing to be grateful about EVERY day. Just one (okay, two if you want to be a rebel).
• Tell ONE client or resource what you admire about them. Did you know that a single act of kindness has incredible benefits for you and the receiver?
• Help ONE person who could use some assistance, EVERY day.
• Smile.

We live in a time when even considering the above suggestions each day can feel overwhelming.

So many are in survival mode right now that it’s likely this list feels like too much effort.

It’s much easier to wallow, complain, and blame.

To what end? I don’t know. I guess it makes us feel better when we know others are feeling miserable, too.

So, what’s the point of these musings, you ask?

To be honest, I’m not sure. I felt the need to express my own complaints, I guess.

Perhaps it may also serve as a reminder for me to reduce the wallowing, complaining, and blaming.

Maybe you need a reminder today, too?

About the Author, Susan Friesen

Located in the lower mainland of B.C., Susan Friesen is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of British Columbia’s premiere boutique web development and digital marketing agency, eVision Media.

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she is an expert in helping businesses establish their online presence and create a strong brand identity.

Her passion for empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners to succeed in the digital world has earned her a reputation as a leading authority in the branding and marketing industry.

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