Word of the Week

Action

Definition: the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim; a thing done, an act

Action

Consider this...

I hate to admit that I have an extremely low tolerance for people who whine. Incessant whining, sporadic whining, it doesn’t matter - whining just does not sit well with me. I think I’m so sensitive to it because, as someone who gets sick often and who’s lifestyle has been altered numerous times to accommodate this sickness, I got annoyed just hearing my own self talk about how bad I feel physically and mentally because of my disease. For my 2010 New Year’s Resolution I wrote down (it’s on a post-it note next to my bathroom mirror):

ENOUGH WITH THE WHINING!! No more whining, and if you feel that you absolutely have to whine, you must follow it with a ‘BUT’ and the action you are going to take to correct the subject of the whine. Control the situation.

You guys, the ‘take action’ thing works so unbelievably well.

It’s so empowering and exhilarating to take action against something that’s been bothering you and flip it upside down to make it something that totally works for you! You feel good to know that you have the will to take action, you feel good while you’re taking the action, and you feel really good to see the results of your efforts. It’s almost addictive.

Here is one example of how I took action: Because I am often sick, I usually feel very tired, and very weak, to the point at which I can’t really do a lot of the things I want to do because of how I feel. (Whine.) It wasn’t too long before I got really sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, so I decided to do something about it. (Action!) I began exercising with someone who I knew would keep me on a schedule. As I exercised, my muscles and organs began to heal and because they were working more efficiently, I began to have more energy. I found a great work-from-home job that allowed me to be productive and rest at the same time. Now, I have the strength and energy to do all the normal things one does in a day, in a week, in a month. (Results!) It feels wonderful to be able to do these things, but it feels even more wonderful to know that I’m the one who got myself to this point (with some much appreciated help).

So, my dear MOMTL Community members. I have a challenge for you. We all whine. I do (still, but not as often), you do, your mom does, your neighbor does. These days whining is pretty much a fact of life. Fine. Great. But let’s do something about it.

This week, I challenge you to take action against one whine that escapes your mouth or enters your thoughts. Doesn’t matter if it’s a big whine or a small whine; what matters is that you try to turn that whine into something more positive. Ask yourself questions like, “How can I fix/change this?” or “What can I do to help?” and the answers could help you determine what actions you need to take. If you need to, bring a friend or family member into the fold for opinions, support and guidance. However you do it, whenever you do it, I wish you the best of luck. I can’t wait to hear about your experiences!