Joyful Complaining

What if complaining is a good thing?

Contrary to popular opinion, it is!

Now I’m not saying to start whining to everyone about everything but expressing things you’re unhappy with can be used to create big positive changes!

Now some people just love to complain and they do not actually want things to be different.

I remember years ago being on a cruise where they announced on the speaker system that they had intentionally set up things for people to complain about because it brought them so much joy.

I thought that was hilarious and had never thought of it that way.

But, I’m talking about the things you really want to shift and upgrade for a happier life. 

What I’m suggesting isn’t exactly venting, but allowing yourself to vent can sometimes shift you into awareness and demand for change.

As you vent there’s usually an energy of just expressing things with no purpose but to just off-load the energy.

But, what if you start looking at times you’re bitching and complaining and ask yourself;

What do I really want?

What’s really lacking in my life?

Maybe you feel unheard, disrespected, or ignored.

What do you want instead?

And have you decided you won't get it?

That can cause lots of anger.

Just be open and curious about how you’re operating at those times.

Think about it, you go to the doctor because something is bothering you.

You need to tell them what is going on so they can help you change things.

Same with therapy, dentist, even returning a clothing item at the store.

The item is broken and doesn't fit, whatever it is. In those scenarios, it seems so much easier and logical. Of course I am going to complain to my doctor or therapist.

They are there to listen, help identify problems and resolve them.  

If you don’t admit or identify that you are unhappy with something it probably isn’t going to change.

I know it is popular to shame people with the “good vibes only” bulls*it.

Like being terrified that someone's bad mood can infect you isn’t really a powerful confident thought, is it?

Maybe you feel lost, scared, sad or angry.

But you don’t want to be judged and bother people with your “low vibes": It is not low vibes to recognize something isn’t working in your life.

And what if speaking up allows someone to show up and present you with a new perspective.

New possibilities that you wouldn’t have been aware of if you kept quiet and pretending all is well.

I like to do something I call Productive Ranting.

I either start talking outloud to myself or someone I trust and I speak about anything on my mind that is bothering or confusing me.

The key is to be unfiltered, don't try to use proper grammar or be polite.

Within a few minutes, and many F-bombs,

I begin to laugh at myself and all the silly things I’m saying.

Sometimes I cry too, if that is what needs to be released.

But, the best part is when the awareness flows, it suddenly hits me that, oh yeah…. that reminds of that time I felt angry and didn’t speak up.

Or that other time that person kept me waiting an hour and wasted my time, and it threw off my entire day and I felt disrespected. 

As outspoken as I am, I still have times when I have repressed or avoided my feelings.

Giving myself the freedom to express everything without wrongness has been a huge key to my healing and having more ease in my life. 

Let me know if you decide to give productive ranting a try and your experience with it.

Have fun speaking your truth!