How many times do you hear some version of the “Ain’t it Awful” game? As long as we complain about a situation, as long as we recognize it, we feel as if our duty has been done. The “Ain’t it Awful Game” can be played forever because as long as it is being played, no resolution is formulated and no action taken. If the problem is fixed, the game can’t be played, because it ain’t awful anymore!

Stop for a second and really think about what was just said.

What in your life have you dismissed with “ain’t it awful”?

The mess in your linen closet? The pile of things by your back door?

The political status of your community?

The car that keeps breaking down at the most inopportune times?

Ain’t it awful?

Ask yourself how much energy you spend complaining about whatever it is, or hiding it, like the lady I knew who stored her dirty dishes in the oven so visitors would not see that she hadn’t washed them. For a long time.

If we really think about it, is this what we want? Is a fairy godmother poised beside the stage, ready to wave her magic wand and make events happen, things we don’t even have the courage to envision? We grow up being told there is a prince (or princess) coming to rescue us; that we might win the lottery and our problems will evaporate; that if we just stay good enough, long enough, our efforts will be rewarded. Too late, we realize the prince is never coming and those few who win the lottery don’t find monetary remuneration the solution to their unhappiness.

Are you using “Ain’t it Awful” as an easy way to avoid dealing with something?

What would happen if you took just one positive step toward changing that “awful” something?

Are you ready to do it?

Copyright © 2011 Sandra Kischuk and Living Beyond Limits. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Sandra Kischuk and Living Beyond Limits with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.