Dale Carnegie wrote a whole book about how to win friends and influence people. The truth is that I've never read past the second chapter, because in that chapter Carnegie exhorts us to never criticize, condemn or complain.
No criticizing of my own self. No condemning others. No complaining about lousy service or a sore knee. Think about it. Never criticize, condemn or complain.
Honestly, there are times when I have nothing to say that isn't a criticism or a condemnation or a complaint.
Aspiring to live each day making an effort to not criticize, condemn or complain feels like it may be my life's work. I try, and most of the time I fail. And then I try again, because on those days when I succeed, I am different. I am more productive. More loving. More fun.
When I'm not criticizing or condemning or complaining I find and share more joy. More gratitude. More laughter.
Try it for three days. What comes up for you? How do others react? Does anything change? I'm so curious about how you experience this!