Anyone who knows me, knows that one of my biggest pet peeve is someone complaining. Many people know i can't stand complaining, but many people also don't know why i have this massive dislike for complaining. So allow me to attempt to explain my general dislike for complaining:
Keep in mind that I'm not saying this to garner sympathy or anything like that, I'm saying these things to make a point at the end. I went through a difficult childhood and came from a broken home. We were poor, and we lived in a poor community, and i never had the things that other kids in the neighborhood had. I never had the latest clothes, or the newest toys around...much like every kid i always saw something i wanted but i never ever got the things i desired because we couldn't afford it...and i got teased a lot because of this. I can remember being in the 5th grade and overhearing several of my classmates(some of whom i considered friends) talk about me and how i was poor and how i basically wore the same clothes everyday. I didn't say anything, but that was one of the most hurtful things I've heard about me (at the time). So I was teased throughout elementary and middle school.Another event that happened in elementary & middle school was my exposure to racism. Growing up hearing white and black people tell you that your nothing but "another nigga child in the world". While on my way to school I even had one white man tell me: "it makes no sense to go to school boy, your a nigga, your never gonna be successful". These are words that a 5th and 6th grader should never have to hear, but i did. Once again i didn't say anything, but i was hurt.
By the time I got into high school, i was a very angry person. I had been angry at all the things I've been through, angry that i had no support system at home, but most importantly i was angry that no one reach out to help the little black boy was desperately sought attention and guidance. In high school i realized i was lacking (and still lacking) the one thing that i truly sought after and wanted. More than the latest toys and clothes, more than anything carnal.....the one thing i wanted was a good relationship with my mother and father. My parents and I basically don't have a relationship i don't know the last time i spoke with my father and although i live with my mother, we rarely say anything to each other...not even happy birthday or happy mother's day. I honestly don't can't remember the last time we've told each other "I Love You".
Regardless of all the things that has happened to me and the things that has not happened to me, i still don't complain. Because i know that someone, somewhere is far off worst than i am right now. I know there are people in the world that would love to switch places with me. So the next time you fix your mouth to complain i want you to think about this: As messed up as you think you have it, if you really think your life is fuck up, think about the people that don't have what you have. There are people in the world that don't know if they're gonna live to see tomorrow. There are parents out there burying their children. There are people in the world that are still treated like slaves and inferiors. It is selfish to think that you deserve pity because of the "mess up" life you have...
Instead of complaining, try appreciating what you have. In some case you may have a lot to appreciate and in other case someone may not have much be appreciative about....but regardless of which category you fall into, appreciate the fact that you have something to appreciate, no matter how big or how small. When you complain your indirectly slapping someone in the face...it's easy to complain but i always tell myself: "Dwayne, you may not have much to be appreciative about...but at end of the day you have life and the opportunity the change your misfortunes. So be appreciative of that..."
This may not reach many people...but if i reach one then my attempt was successfully.
