Just A Branch

When I realize I want to complain, or worse-hear complaints already coming out of my mouth, it is a reminder for me to check in with myself- not to ignore my feelings or thoughts, but to take stock of what is driving the urge to complain and intentionally choose my attitude and words. Complaining is not the energy I want for myself or to be expending into the world. What we think and say affects us and those around us.

When I check in, I ask myself questions. These may include, but are not limited to:

1. What emotion am I feeling in this moment?
2. Why exactly is this bothering me?
3. Is this even my business or responsibility?
4. Is focusing on this going to add any value to the situation or my day?
5. Are there solutions I can apply to make this better?
6. What can I be grateful for?
7. How should I pray about this?

Examples may look like this:

1. The dog ate my protein powder.
   • What am I feeling? Anger towards the dog; and frustration with myself (he does this with any food I leave on the counter).
   • Why is this bothering me? The protein powder is expensive; I wish the dog would stop doing this; I wish I had had the foresight to put the protein powder safely in the cupboard; I wish I didn’t always have to be hyper-vigilant about being sure no food is left on the counter and the stove is always locked.
   • Is this my business or responsibility? 100% yes.
   • Is focusing on this going to help me? No- I need to find a solution and do better next time.
   • What solutions can I apply? Scan the kitchen before leaving it and be sure all food items are safely out of the way; potentially sign up for dog training.
   • What can I be grateful for? Usually I’m so mad at this, I don’t even ask that question.
   • How should I pray about this? Lord please help me to be better about putting all food out of the dog’s reach before I leave the kitchen. Please bless my mind to be able to remember. If possible please help the dog to be better. And Lord, I choose to forgive the dog- please help me to forgive him.

These are tools that I use to shift my attitude, focus, and words. Hopefully you will find this helpful as well. If you have additional tools you use to checkin and shift, I’d love to hear! Please share in the comments ⬇️