Saturday, January 17, 2009

A Complaint-Free World (Audio Book)

How to Stop Complaining and Start Enjoying the Life You Always Wanted
by Will Bowen
Random House Audio Book, 2007

I don't normally listen to audio books, especially nonfiction ones that might require a great deal of focus in order to retain and apply the information contained in them, but I thought I'd give it a try after reading that author Debbie Macomber frequently listens to motivational CDs. Since I spend a fair amount of time with folks who complain, gossip, and criticize, this title seemed a natural choice. Oh, and I probably complain, gossip, and criticize more than I should, too.

In A Complaint Free World, Bowen explains the problem with complaining, gossiping and criticizing, and shares a 21 day plan for reducing these negative habits. He also explains the benefits gained by living a life free of these. As a result of listening to this CD, my daughter, husband, and I are all trying to achieve 21 consecutive days complaint free to see how this might transform our home and our experience of the world.

While I found the author's soft voice somewhat annoying as I listened (I suppose that's a complaint!), and reject his New Age theology, there is definitely something to be said for his thesis. When the Bible says, "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (Philippians 4:7-9), it in effect advises us not to complain!

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