Feel like complaining? Read this first

I was driving to the office one morning when I heard two deejays on the radio talking about finding fault and complaining. They suggested that for 24-hours, one should try not to complain about anything at all.

Indeed, we Malaysians like to complain. Whether its traffic jams, highway etiquette, music played on radio, movies, politics, politicians, policies, food, and even our friends and colleagues, we seem to thrive on complaining about something or other.

So, why do we complain? Does it really make us happier?

More often than not, complaining fails to make the situation any better.

Lest we forget, action speaks louder than words.

You always have a choice – complain, or actually do something.

If you don't like the music on the radio, switch to another station. Or play your own music. You have a choice.

The same goes with food. I have witnessed many times people criticising what’s served to them. We actually have a choice to take action on that too, you know. Cook your own meals. Or find food from another stall or restaurant. There is always an alternative.

Try to compliment the person who cooks your food. It works, trust me. The person might eye you suspiciously the first time, especially if you are a known chronic complainer, but a small compliment goes a long way. I’ve tried it and it works. That’s why I never fail to compliment the person who cooks a meal for me, be it my mother, husband or a cook at a restaurant.

I appreciate all that I am blessed with. I am thankful to have a mother who is still healthy and cooks wonderful meals for me and my family whenever she is around. I am thankful for the food on the table, the roof over my head, clothes on my back, and the ability to provide for myself and my loved ones.

It is easy to complain and find faults. But where does it take us?

Of course, there are times when it may seem as if we have no power to take any action to improve the situation. Take politics for example.

We are stuck with our politicians and their policies, at least until the polls re-open once again. Till then, it seems all we can do is wait.

In the meantime, don’t bother complaining about things you are not happy with, if you’re not prepared to do something about it.

We always have choices and alternatives, right? But then again, we might just end up complaining about that as well!