Abused and Bullied as a Child Lizzie Velasquez Chose to be HAPPY!

Lizzie is not a complainer. Follow her on You Tube.

by Michael Corthell

We all choose to complain from time to time. We sometimes don't even know that we're complaining. Sometimes a common complaint can help bond two people, but too much complaining may just break down the relationship. Some people say, "Why do I complain, no one listens anyway.'' (I wonder why??) I like to tell people, ''The complaint department is on the 99th floor and there are no elevators.''

 ''Instead of complaining that the rose bush is full of thorns, 
be happy the thorn bush has roses.''

—Abraham Lincoln

We've all known people who complain long and loud, they are the ones who constantly gripe about their health, their family, their relationships, their job, and the list goes on and on. They are never happy with anything. (because they are not happy with themselves) And every time you hang out with them you are left feeling drained.

No matter what you say or do, it never seems to help. There may be no arguing that they are going through a tough time, but their negative attitude certainly makes matters worse and is probably the cause of their cycle of ''bad luck''. These are toxic, negative people. Try to help, but if you can't disengage, then quickly depart for your own physical and spiritual health.

How do we complain less? It starts with a thought and a choice.

Change the way you think. My number one piece of advice as always: THINK POSITIVE. It can be difficult, I know but, positivity should be your number one imperative in life. Much like the quote above, we are bothered first by the thorns in the rose bush instead of being marveled by the sight of the beautiful roses. The trick is to train our brain to LOOK for the good and positive in every situation and thing.

Take time to vent, but limit it. No one can be positive all the time (this is not a perfect existence). Simply ignoring your negative thoughts can add up. If you are really going through a rough time due to circumstances beyond your control, share your feelings with a close friend or family member or by all means see a therapist. Don’t be ashamed to talk through negative feelings.

Be less judgmental. People often complain about others because they think they are not up to their standards. That's not your job as a happy fulfilled person. If you put yourself in their shoes for a while, you will be kinder toward them and more relaxed about the situation.

Practice gratitude. Stopping for a minute each day and thinking of all the great things and amazing people in your life. This very act will put any small complaints you have to rest.

Change your world by changing yourself FIRST. Be the change you wish to see in YOUR world. Next time you witness someone whining, either speak up to stop them from complaining and change the subject to something positive or simply be quiet. Don't feed the 'whine' by offering 'cheese'.

Take responsibility. If something is bugging you, either correct it or accept that nothing can be done right now, so why complain? Fatalism goes a long way (knowing that God is in charge). Complaining is a passive activity. Take action or let it go.

''Folks are usually about as happy
as they make their minds up to be.''

—Abraham Lincoln

Choose happiness, always focusing on the positive, and always being compassionate and kind.

It is your choice.

_______________________

Choose to be HAPPY

by Lizzie Velasquez

Imagine a woman who has a unique syndrome that does not allow her to see with her right eye, gain weight, and make someone post a YouTube video describing her as the ugliest woman in the world.

In her childhood, she was labeled as a monster, bullied by other kids, spent days in disappointment and hopelessness. Today, she is a happy person, an author, motivational speaker inspiring millions of people by her story of how she defined herself and chose to be happy.