Are you still complaining?

In last weeks article I told you to get right pissed off about the injustices in the world and start using your voice to make them heard. By the emails I received throughout the week I am glad a few of you were angry enough to let me be the bearer of your frustrations. Guilty as charged for fueling up the hostility train I thought this week I’d bring you a handful of complimentary tactics to help support the arenas of our lives where people are already taking action and deserve praise for it.

It’s been well documented that the more thankful you are the happier you are and let’s be honest we could use a lot more people singing ‘Oh happy day’ then mumbling ‘Go suck a lemon’. Better yet, when you share the gratitude with those responsible you give them a deeper feeling of appreciation in this world and a desire to continue what it is was they were doing that caught your attention in the first place.

I think it is important to get angry in order to push yourself that extra few steps to get the issue in the spotlight and demand its recognition but why only act when you are angry? A personal practice that I exercise on issues I can’t change here and now is as follows:

‘When the day is trying and long, speak up for what is wrong.
But, when the sun is shining bright, be thankful for what is right’

Okay, so I’m not a poet but in practice what it means is when you are angry and having a bad day use your anger to promote change by challenging politicians, corporations and researching ways you can personally take action. When you are having a beautiful day share the sentiment with those around you that are fighting for the causes dearest to you. Note: I do not endorse behaviour or vocabulary that will encourage someone else to have a bad day, just the transfer of energy to something more constructive.

Here are some of my favourite ways to spread appreciation:

Writing Corporations: They are not perfect, I know, BUT some are trying hard to use their power and dolla billz to be better global citizens. Although they have money to spare, they don’t have to, so by writing to them and thanking them for what they are doing you can reinforce their purpose for doing it in the first place as well as slipping in other ideas they can implement. Bonus: Often times you’ll get more than a ‘thank you’ email in response. Free swag, an opportunity to offer more insight into changes and an invitation to a company party are just some of the perks I’ve received from taking a minute or two to give a quick pat on the back.

Notifying Politicians: I expect a great deal of rebuttal to this suggestion but stay with me. Can you think of anyone in our society that hears the brunt of all our complaints more than politicians? Sure we put our trust and pay checks in their hands and they most likely enjoy a more stable and luxurious life than us, but try having people send you hate mail daily. How easy do you find it to help or play happy-face to someone that you’ve heard slander you behind your back or laugh at your attempts to carry out your job? Since we need them to grant our desires why not thank them for what they are doing while slipping in a few more wishes.

NGO’s and Humanitarian Organizations: Since we can’t belong to every ‘save the world’ venture under the sun why not give thanks to those that are fighting for the causes that are near and dear to you. You think reading about humanitarian crisis’, environmental disasters and the millions who are on their death bed with AIDS is upsetting, imagine spending day in and day out fighting for these causes and feeling little to no gain in resolution. A sweet and simple letter to let them know you admire and support what they are doing can go a long way.

Random Acts of Positive Sayings: Do you have a saying that turns your day from level F-5 tornado to Hawaiian beach setting? Why keep it to yourself when you can chalk in on the pavement, leave little notes on the bus or on your seat before leaving class. My favourite is using my procrastination time at the library to change negative or profane messages in the cubicles into original motivational quotes. This suggestion isn’t directed at specific individuals but you never know who may read what you have to say and interpret it as a sign to take up a worldly cause. For those that want to spread the love in anonymous ways it can bring a great amount of motivation and warm fuzzies thinking about those whose days will be a little brighter because of your small attempt.

If you are reading this you are likely in the top 10% of the luckiest people in the world which means your complaints are probably shy of coming in among the top hardships of the day. You can’t save the world in one day so why expect anyone else to be able to do so. Alternatively there are those that have invested a great deal of their lives trying to and savin’ aint’ easy. A quick word of thanks can remind them of why they took up the peace stick in the first place or what drives them for promoting social change and keep them motivated to keep up the fight.

Note: If you are part of a student group or local community initiative that works to bring attention to an important ethical, environmental or social issue or you just have a creative idea and would like me to take it up as a weekly challenge, drop me a line.