82: Why "Complaining" is Never Complaining

Complaining is never really complaining. Think about that. Today's episode is short and sweet, but you might be able to learn a lot about having empathy.

 

It's pretty easy to recall a time when you or someone else said "stop complaining". As the title of the show states, complaining is never really about just the complaint itself. Yet we often classify a complaint as simply that. 

 

There is a desire inside of every complaint. There is an unmet need. 

 

I don't see complaints. Ever, really. I really, really don't.

 

What I do see:

• people who are misunderstood

• people expressing their sincere thoughts

• people who have no other outlet to vocalize how they feel about something

• people who have no one to hold space for them

• people who are hurt

• people who are depressed

• people who are in pain

• people who've been betrayed

• people who feel alone

• people who are exhausted

• people who are at a breaking point

• people who are adjusting to change or struggling with changes in life

• people who have no one to turn to for talking about things

• people who are in active trauma or unhealed trauma

 

I don't see complainers. I see people who want to be seen, heard, and people who need empathy.

 

I challenge you to look deeper the next time you're about to label something as a complainer. There's a need not being met. If you don't have the emotional space to go deeper or to fill that emotional need, at least be decent enough to acknowledge they have some kind of frustration, pain, or unmet need rather than dismiss it as "complaining".

 

I'm Kelly Wilson and I'm the owner of fitfizzstudio.com and I'm a personal trainer, nutrition coach, behavior change specialist, autoimmune disease educator and I've worked in the health and fitness industry for over 25 years. I am here to help you ditch the gimmicks, finding strength through your struggles, give you the knowledge for making the smartest choices for your own health, and to remind you to celebrate victory all along the way! The information shared is for educational and informational purposes only. 

 

Nothing should be interpreted as an intent to diagnose, treat, cure, heal, or prescribe.