One Thing

Have you ever had days when one thing after another goes wrong and you complain about every little thing throughout your day? Have you ever known anyone who will complain no matter what happens to them? I have.

It is known as hyperbole. People’s exaggeration about their issues. Some people complain as a way to cope with or manage their emotions, hoping to alleviate distress by venting their feelings. People with a negative outlook tend to naturally focus on negative experiences, leading to an overemphasis on what’s wrong. Exaggerating problems can be a way to get attention and sympathy from others. Complaining can become a habitual response, especially if the person grew up in an environment where complaining was common. And some people are just plain miserable wanting to blame everyone else for their shortcomings.

What people really need to understand is that it is not all of the things one is complaining about. It is only one thing. The one thing that has caused this domino effect. Some cannot figure out what their one thing is. It takes stepping back, even walking away for a while.

I’ve known people who don’t make time to have a good breakfast and it sets the tone for their day. Or someone who has not gotten the sleep they needed. But it is always, always, always that one thing.

I can use myself as a good example. When I sit up watching a tv show until 2 a.m. and I have an appointment at 8 in the morning, I try to stay in bed until the last minute. Then I have my pets to feed, my own breakfast to throw together. I throw my breakfast down my throat, get dressed, wash up and hope I have what I need to go to my appointment. Everything is in a rush and I do have times when I can be cranky trying to get out the door and then of course the traffic. Thankfully, I do not have road rage but may say a few words under my breath. What I should have done would have been to get to bed earlier so to get the sleep I needed. I always set up for the next days breakfast before going to bed for myself and my pets. I normally have my clothes set out that I will wear. What makes it harder for me to get my crap together where I am older is if I have more aches and pains than normally, and if I spend too much time reading the news online. I need to keep my eye on what is right in front of me to get done what is needed so I am not rushing around getting stressed out. My problem is me, that one thing.

I cannot tell people what to do but I try to alleviate some of their stressors. I have been there and done that. It has taken me years to learn what I have. I still make mistakes but if I can help someone to help themselves, then I am good.