A motivational speaker is coming to our area this week with an uplifting message: Quit your belly-achin'.
Since 2006 Will Bowen has been promoting an ultra-positive philosophy of a world free of complaints. His purple bracelet campaign offers a simple challenge: Go 21 days without uttering a single complaint. Whenever you catch yourself complaining, you must switch your bracelet from one wrist to the other, and start your day count again.
The challenge and his accompanying book has been taken up by millions and has earned him appearances on Oprah, The Today Show, and other networks.
"Relationships don't just happen. We create them." Consequently they are affected by how we respond to people who may annoy us. Rather than complain about people behind their back, try to address a change.
"If you say, 'You always leave your socks on the floor,' then the person hears: 'I always leave my socks on the floor.' And they do it more often.
"Instead, you say, 'I would appreciate if you put the socks in the hamper,' and when they do, you say 'Thank you for putting the socks in the hamper.' Make the solution your focus."
Bowen's message is timely and perennial, worthy of attention in many contexts: home, work, and school. The purple bracelet is also a simple, motivating reminder of staying focused on this important goal of attitudinal change.
