Purple Bracelet in Support of a "A Complaint Free World"

ptosis, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Apr 30, 2007 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

I refuse to stop squawking! At one point, I wanted a black bracelet for "never forgive - never forget". It's those who are unreasonable and unsatisfied with the status quo that spurs change within our society. How can I be vigilant and courageous about those in power accountable without objecting to the willful ignorance of shyster politicians?

In an effort to develop the habit of gratitude, a movement called "A complaint free world" was started by Reverend Bowen of Christ Church Unity in Missouri. These purple bracelets are being given away free to anyone from the web site which states in part, "It makes sense to express pain, grief or discontent occasionally but most people do so constantly...talk about what you DO want and not what you DON'T want."

The purple bracelet is not a make "nice-nice" Californication propaganda but an affirmation of a biblical principle. It can be used by non-christens as a tool called "reframing." Reframing is not intended to excuse the transgressor, but to free oneself of the consternation from a stressful situation. Forgiveness is not forgetting a wrong but is a way to free you from underneath the power of a grudge.

From the "Art of Coping" at the Safari web site, it states, "It is your interpretation of an event-not the event itself-which leads to anger. The way you see the problem is the problem.

I use this reframing not as a christen but just to avoid getting so upset that I am unable to think as clearly. One example that I use is the "it could be a lot worse" tool.

One day I parked my 250cc 1987 Honda Rebel unlocked at a corner of a building on a dirt patch. When I returned from classes, it was gone. I called the police to report it stolen when they informed me that it was towed away. To reduce my anger I was thankful that it was towed and not stolen. To reduce my anger of the $125 towing charge I told myself that, God saved me from an accident on the way home that particular day by having my motorcycle towed away.

I was still very angry with the person who had my unlocked motorcycle towed. The next day I went to the tall and burly man occupying the building as to why he towed the bike away. With a voice quavering with emotion I complained to him "It was unlocked, you could've moved it if it was in your way. The $125 tow fee put a financial hardship on me."

At least I didn't release my full spleen upon him and was carted away by the cops

Published by ptosis

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