Isn't it just though?

In light of recent events, I've been hearing a lot of comments about the weather. Mostly bad stuff. I think this is mainly because there is no one to appeal to directly for change and but also because there is a certain ingrained tribal behavior involved with complaining and group commiseration. So, while it is a completely just complaint, it is also totally futile... and apparently unhealthy for us as well. (Yep, add it to the list )

Studies have indicated that getting together and complaining to each other about our afflictions and sufferings can lead to depression and anxiety.

"For girls, co-rumination predicted increased positive friendship quality, including feelings of closeness between friends. However, the study also found that girls who co-ruminate had increased depressive and anxiety symptoms, which in turn, contributed to greater co-rumination."

So who knew that co-rumination was so damaging?

A Complaint Free World is a movement started by Pastor Will Bowen. Over 6 million people in more than 80 countries have taken his Complaint Free challenge by wearing purple bracelets to remind themselves to quit whingeing. In his book he explains how forming the simple habit of not complaining can transform your health, relationships, career and life.

There are a lot of resources out there to help you cut back on your complaining... I like the cool practicality of Eckhart Tolle:

“Complaining is not to be confused with informing someone of a mistake or deficiency so that it can be put right. And to refrain from complaining doesn’t necessarily mean putting up with bad quality or behavior. There is no ego in telling the waiter your soup is cold and needs to be heated up—if you stick to the facts, which are always neutral. ‘How dare you serve me cold soup…?’ That’s complaining.”—Eckhart Tolle, “A New Earth

Or simply..

"If you don't like something change it.
If you can't change it, change your attitude.
Don't complain."
—Maya Angelou