This is the 5th week of my Live Like it Matters Challenge. I was going to issue a different challenge today but then this problem came to my attention. Not only did it come to my attention, I realize that I’ve been a participant…..I’ve been part of the problem.

At some time or another, we’ve all done this. We might not be characterized by it, but we’ve all done it.

We complain. We gripe. We gossip.

All of it is negative and none of it does any good. My challenge to all of us is to STOP. Stop the negativity.

Your friend hurt your feelings. You tell your friend, but not the one who hurt your feelings. That’s gossip.  More than likely, it was an innocent misunderstanding that could be easily resolved with a conversation with the right person. The right person is the one that hurt your feelings, not the other friend.

Some things are changing at work. You don’t understand it and you don’t like it. You complain about it to any co-worker that will listen. Every day you think and talk about what you dislike about your work and the company
you work for. The only one you don’t complain to is the one who might be able to explain why things are changing.

Your husband and kids cleaned the house while you worked late. You notice the counter has a few crumbs that weren’t wiped away and the clothes in the dryer haven’t been folded. You gripe about the crumbs and grumble about the unfolded clothes instead of noticing the swept floors, the cleaned mirrors, the empty kitchen sink, and the lit candles.  

Stop the complaining. Stop the gossip. And stop the griping. You’re not only bringing yourself down, you’re taking others with you. Stop.

Instead have the right conversation with the right person. Gather the right information from the right person about the changes at work. If you don’t like it and can’t see that you will ever like it, update your resume and find another job. See what good things others are doing even when it’s not the way you would do it.

We must stop being negative. See what you have, instead of focusing on what you don’t. Be thankful. Be positive. You can choose what you think and say.

You can’t make a positive difference in others’ lives if you’re negative.

Choose to live like it matters.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)