Misery Loves Company!

We've had a new member at Weight Watchers since the first of the year. She is one of the most negative people I have been around. I don't think she's ever said anything positive in a meeting since she joined. I've just tried to ignore her, but today her negativity was directed at me.

Our leader, Carol, was talking about having healthy foods in the kitchen. She asked what we would feed her if she came over for breakfast. I described the shake I make for Les every morning (soy milk, banana, strawberries, Recoverite). When I finished, Negative Nancy said, "These women just do too much for their husbands." She then proceeded to go on and on about how ungrateful husbands and kids are if you do anything for them.

I sat in stunned silence. I have never thought that Les is ungrateful. He is the one going to work every morning, while I am blessed to stay at home. I don't make his breakfast because I have to, I do it because I love him and want him to be healthy for a long time.


On my way home, I realized that she must be a very miserable person. Her misery spews out and was directed at me today. But I am not joining her! If she's looking for a miserable companion, she needs to look elsewhere. I have a wonderful husband and a great marriage - I am NOT into male bashing! Or kid bashing or anybody bashing!!

I am now over my shock and only have pity for her (and her husband and kids!) I don't want to be filled with negativity and complaining.

The following quote is found TWICE in Mom's Bible:

"Not the greatness of our troubles but the littleness of our spirit makes us complain."

Quiet Strength

I've been reading the book by former NFL coach, Tony Dungy, entitled "Quiet Strength". Tony was known as a coach who didn't scream on the sidelines or at his players. He quietly led, by example and by setting expectations.

His first head coaching position was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team at that time not known for winning. He later led the Indianapolis Colts to victory in the Super Bowl. During all those years he had one way of leading, he believed in it and stuck to it. In spite of criticisms, he maintained that his teams would:

Do what we do.
Whatever it takes.
No excuses, no explanations.

I've lived long enough to know that if you're doing something, you're going to face criticism. You will never please everyone. Don't let criticism stop you from trying. When you know you're doing what is right, continue on and:

Do what we do.
Whatever it takes.
No excuses, no explanations.

“When we judge or criticize another person, it says nothing about that person; it merely says something about our own need to be critical.” - Unknown

“He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help.” - Abraham Lincoln

“Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing” - Aristotle