There are some people who simply love to complain. Things are never just enough for them. It’s either too hot or too cold, too big or too small, too this or too that. You can never please them, so don’t even try. The ones I’m referring to, though, are the ones who complain about themselves…ailments, injuries, weight, etc. I had a recent conversation with two family members who complain about aching knees, failing grip strength because of a recent fractured wrist, and not being able to lose weight. One of them also complained about being born with skinny legs and a flat butt.

In regards to the various injuries, I inquired as to how often they perform their physical therapy exercises. The answer: when they remember to do it, occasionally. I’ll admit I got on a little soapbox and scolded them about knowing better. And how did they expect any results if they were only going to do things half-assed. One of them got upset and basically told me that she doesn’t feel like telling me things because she knows I’m going to lecture. Well, number one, she should know better. She was an RN. She encountered hard-headed patients all the time in her career as a nurse. Frustrating? Yes. “Especially folks dealing with diabetes,” she answered. Some of the most stubborn patients ever. So I pointed out that I felt the same way. She calls to moan and complain and I know for a fact that she hasn’t done anything to help the situation.

The other one with her skinny legs and flat butt countered that there’s nothing she could do about them. I asked her why not? Both are comprised of large groups of muscles. Hers are simply underdeveloped and can be built up by exercise. It’s the same with many of my coworkers who complain about not being able to lose weight. I explain as simply as possible what they should and shouldn’t eat, but they continue to snack all day long on chips, cookies, candy, etc. They continue guzzling sodas and high-sugar fruit juices. None of them exercise in any way, shape, or form. So, why is it that I should feel sorry for them or in the least bit compelled to listen to them whine about their issues?

For some people, it seems as if they just aren’t happy if they don’t have something to complain about. Here’s the thing, though…if you’re not going to do anything about whatever is bugging you, you don’t have the right to complain about it. If you’re overweight and wish you could lose the fat, quit complaining and do something about it! If you’re aches and pains aren’t getting any better, but you’re not doing what your physical therapist told you to do, quit complaining and do something about it! Basically…just quit complaining. Nobody really wants to hear it and it doesn’t solve anything anyway.