I have a friend I no longer spend time with because the negativity and complaining became so constant that it started bringing me down. Over the years, we'd occasionally meet up to catch up on life.
A few years ago, after several months of practicing Zenatude, I ran into her on the beach. Almost immediately, she started complaining about all the tourists and how she missed when everything was calmer and she didn't have to deal with them.
I stopped the conversation and reminded her how fortunate she was to live here and be able to walk to the beach whenever she wanted. I pointed out that many of those tourists travel for hours just to enjoy the sand, ocean, and sunshine. For some, it's their one vacation of the year.
Then I said, "For every ungrateful comment you make, replace it with something you're grateful for."
Fortunately, she laughed—especially when I told her she already had five grateful things to come up with.
It's easy to be negative, and complaining takes very little effort. But do you want to be the person others don't enjoy being around?
We all experience frustrating, uncomfortable, and disappointing situations. Choosing a more positive perspective doesn't mean ignoring reality. It means looking for the good that's still there. Not only will it help you feel better, but it can also lift up the people around you.
My challenge to you is this: For the next eight days, whenever you think, say, or notice something negative, immediately follow it with something you're grateful for.
Yes, it's possible to train your mind to see the good in every situation.
Stop waiting. Start choosing. That's Zenatude.
If this message doesn't apply to you, please share it with someone who may need to hear it today.
Have a Zenatudinal Day!