Eliminating Criticism

I heard something recently about a man that seemed to be happy all the time. It was an infectious happiness too, it seemed to cheer up the people around them without realizing why they were happier. When asked what his secret was he said that he strived to never say anything negative about another person. To take that a step further, he would try not to listen to others being critical either. This really struck me as I realized how I feel when I am complaining about someone or a situation. I feel stressed, exhausted, tired, frustrated and angry. How amazing is that. All this time you are told to be nice to others because of what it does to that person. The true benefits are for you though. I think this is just another instance in life about how it is never about the situations you are in, but how you react in those situations that is important.

When I remind myself that my happiness is impacted by my attitude and reaction to other people and circumstances in life it changes how I react. So don’t be critical of others, it is for your own good.