Well, the great complaint experiment of 2007 has drawn to a close. I actually found out quite a few things about myself in the process. For one thing, I discovered I'm not really that negative of a person. There are actually only a few things I'm inclined to complain about, and those things tend to be the inevitable facts of life that I cannot change, like work (temping), lack of work (acting), my butt (genes...and jeans), and money (we don't have any. What's up with that?!)
But this month, obviously, brought some serious challenges to optimism. Here is a sampling of the kinds of sentiments being generated. Yes, I'm copping out on having to write my own stuff right now, what about it?!! It's not like you're paying for this stuff.
"...i'm a hokie. class of '92. i'm so blessed to have such an outpouring of love even over here. the guys in the cast are amazing... i was able to talk to my dad on the phone with the incredible technology we have today... and even my cab driver mentioned tech when he heard my american accent. "i'm so sorry for what happened..."a tragedy is capable of pulling together people from all over the world, and reminding us of how human and alike we all are." Wendy, in Bulgaria
"...There are tragedies that yank you back to reality and make you realize that 99.9% of the stuff we p & m about is just plain NOTHING in the great scheme of things. I have a friend who gave me the following "mantra" to repeat to myself in the morning and whenever else I need it....: "May I be filled with loving kindness. May I be well. May I be peaceful and at ease. May I be happy!" You also can substitute anyone's name for "I" and it serves very nicely as a prayer for others." Patti P., Saco, ME
"...We also had the beloved young wife of a faculty member die Wednesday night after a long fight with cancer. We've made this agreement... to not complain for a while. I don't think we are complaining here.... I think we are mystified by these events and struggle with the why's and wherefore's. And perhaps we hold one another a little more closely.... perhaps we cut each other a little more slack... perhaps we evaluate, finally evaluate, what it is we are teaching our young people. When did violence become the answer? I spoke with another former student yesterday (she's a freshman at Longwood) and she had the list of questions for her generation: Why Columbine? Why Iraq? Why Virginia Tech? Why the Amish Schoolhouse? Good questions, Ginny. What is it that we have taught you or have failed to teach you? What is it that you think you've learned from us? What can we do to do this better? This, this Columbine, Iraq, Lancaster, Blacksburg... this can't be what we meant. Why is it that this is what you know? Ginny and I had a long conversation about it all. For me, since I work with young people, perhaps this is where I start. Maybe I can ask, is this really what you think we mean to teach you? How can we do this better? And after some interesting dialog, I can go home, hold my husband closer, play with my dog a little longer, call my parents, and think long and hard about what it is that will come out of my mouth and how my actions will be interpreted by the young people who see me." Kristen, Staunton, VA
"... My positive attitude has been sorely tested this week with the Nor'Easter which knocked out our power for 24 hours - no running water either. The good news is we have 6 bathrooms, so you can go often without having to flush....I also think I lost a couple of pounds because cold food just isn't as appetizing...." My Ma, Powhatan VA
"...Why are you so mad? I'm afraid of you!" Paul, Washington DC
"...Seriously, you are scaring me. Have you been drinking?" Paul, Washington DC
"....Honey? Dinner is ready...did you want to stop sobbing, or...?" Paul, Washington DC