This week I am going to step out on a limb and be completely open and authentic with you.  I’m going to share my personal story about a family member who is always negative.

Have you ever had someone in your life that is always complaining about something?  How does that make you feel?  Sometimes, being around people like that can be so draining. In my Energy Leadership program, we call it Catabolic Energy, because it is draining and restricting to other points of view. Many people radiate catabolic energy and don’t even realize it.  When I talk to this particular person, it usually consists of the “Woe is Me” mentality and sometimes it just gets under my skin.  Thankfully, I have been on this journey of self-discovery and my emotional intelligence has grown.  I now take a step back and self-assess my thoughts and feelings around this person constantly complaining.  I have learned that shifting my thinking, emotions and feelings towards this person can change how I respond.  Now, I just let her get it all out and complain and complain.  Then, I sympathize (I work on having more empathy and compassion).  Next, I offer an alternative solution and a new way of thinking: not just always looking at the glass as ½ full but truly being grateful for what we do have. I focus on looking towards a brighter future and creating the feelings that will provide you with a happy thought vs. the negative thinking patterns that we can fall into.

Last weekend I was in Catalina Island and I saw a woman walking down the street with no arms or legs.  Her arms were cut off at the elbows and just ended there.  Her legs were in prosthetics that enabled her to walk.  I looked at her and thought for quite some time.  What do we take for granted in our lives?  Do we ever take the time to be truly grateful for the air we breathe, the legs and arms we have and the life we can experience?  How would life change for all of us if we just stopped complaining and started being grateful for what we have in our lives?  The quote below helped to remind me today to start focusing on the wonderful things that I do have in my life, and it provides me with a way to help lift others up.  Next time you encounter that “Person” who is complaining, take a moment and try to help them see their world from a different vantage point.  It helped my mom today who recently had two back to back surgeries.  I believe our conversation today has her looking towards a brighter future and being a little more grateful today for what she does have.

If you are not aware of, or have not received any Abraham-Hicks quotes, I highly recommend getting on their daily email list.  As a coach and entrepreneur, I know most of the right ways of thinking, feeling and doing that will support my goals.  However, it’s not always easy.  I take pride in practicing what I preach and these quotes help me daily.