by Katerina Kountakis, section editor

“Where is our food? Why do I always get stuck with the slow waiters?”

I stared at my friend confused for the fact that we ordered our food only 5 minutes ago. After the night ended, I looked back at our time together and felt disappointed. All that we did was complain about our problems and how things should be better than they are. I understand that times can be hard for people and they need to talk about it, but not one positive thing was spoken during the dinner.

What’s worse is when people go to others seeking advice, but don’t listen and keep doing the same thing, resulting in more complaining.

What if, at least once, people instead of jumping the gun and automatically complain about something, they just take a breathe and enjoy the moment? Why can’t people be happy with what they have?

I will admit that I too have fallen victim to ‘things should be better’ club, but I realize that those thoughts bring me down and affect how people feel around me. I feel like I am falling in a gray depressed hole where every little thing sets me off and I am not satisfied anymore.  I don’t want to feel that way anymore and I definitely don’t want to bring people down with me. So why do people complain? Why do people feel they have a right to whine about something that may seem inconvenient at the time, but is a privilege to others?

Some people think complaining about issues is a way to face them and move forward. But I think that only counts if the problem is worth complaining about. Then other people think complaining is a waste of a conversation, and that everyone should stop doing it altogether. But if people did that, then no one would speak up if there was an issue that needed to be discussed, resulting in nothing getting done.

So how do we solve this? How can people complain less and change the way they look at the world, and also addressed issues without sounding like a ‘negative nelly’?

There isn’t one right answer. It depends on the person, and if they actually want to live and be in the moment, if people actually want appreciate life and have a peaceful mind. I want to change my viewpoint of the world. I want to uplift myself and those around me. I want to stop complaining.

But it’s not just that. It’s also being positive and thankful for what you have or what you’re about to get. Like my friend, who didn’t appreciate that she has access to food everyday unlike other people that have to search for their next meal. Maybe complaining isn’t the problem, but being negative is. Maybe people don’t realize how good they have it. Maybe people overthink situations and turn them sour.

I have realized that I am blessed and yes, even though I have problems that make my life harder than it needs to be, I want to live my life as radiantly as I can. And if that means complaining less and having my viewpoint adjusted, then so be it.