Will Bowen's Blog, page 94

Day 11!

It’s after midnight and I just had dinner–my days and nights are off.

I’m on Day 11 going 21 days without complaining. As you probably know, I had rotator cuff surgery three weeks ago–it’s as painful as people say. Most nights I don’t sleep much and most days I’m sleep deprived.

(I’m stating facts, not complaining.)

I have several exciting projects I’m working on. However, I can’t type and it’s a challenge to even think coherently sometimes because of the pain medicine.

The cool thing is that I have received several phone calls over the last few days from people who have told me how much my work has meant to them and to others. One young man called to say that he is introducing the Complaint Free concept to gang members in Los Angeles.

One librarian is working to get her entire city Complaint Free. And another woman is using my books on happiness to teach others how to become happier.

I’m truly grateful that these demonstrations of appreciation for my dharma are coming during a time when I’m feeling somewhat limited and in pain.

Not surprisingly, during this recovery time my mind has been on fire with new ideas. ••Sometimes both the hardest and most important thing we can do is to sit still.**

You Have Entered A Complaint Free Zone!

Create your own COMPLAINT FREE ZONE!

Where do you complain the most?  Your office, your car, your dinning room?

Now you can create your own COMPLAINT FREE ZONE by downloading this free poster and posting it wherever you wish to be Complaint Free!

PRINTABLE POSTER>>>

5 Great Universal Truths – Appropriate Sexuality (Dharma Talk)

In this edition Will discusses sexuality and religion’s views of it.

 

LISTEN NOW >>>

Day 7!

Okay, I’m on Day 7, again, going 21 consecutive days without complaining.

I began the 21-day challenge on February 7th and most people take 4 to 8 months to complete it. That means I’ve been at it for about 3.5 months.

I’ve been thinking about the first time I completed the challenge 8 years ago. What finally helped me be successful was I SET A GOAL DATE TO COMPLETE THE CHALLENGE.

So, here I go: “I will complete the 21-day Complaint Free challenge by August 7, 2014.”

That’s a total of 6 months. I might make it sooner (or even later) but this gives me something specific to shoot for.

What is your goal date?

By what day will you have gone 21 days in a row without complaining?

Remember, A GOAL WITHOUT A COMPLETION DATE IS ONLY A VAGUE WISH.

Day 5 from New York!

I’ve now gone 5 days in a row without complaining.

How’s it going for you?

Remember this formula:

THOUGHT + EMOTION = REALITY

Because of my recent shoulder surgery, I’ve been VERY cautious of someone bumping into me on the street here in NYC.

THOUGHT – someone might bump into me

EMOTION = Fear!

REALITY – You guessed it. A guy just SLAMMED into me from behind nearly knocking me to the ground.

The FUNNY thing was, he felt so bad when he saw my sling that he GRABBED ME HARD BY THE SHOULDERS to steady me. As he apologized profusely in French, I pleaded with him in English to release me.

It really was funny–after the pain subsided.

So, this powerful formula has let me experience and move past a big fear.

(I’m going to start HAPPILY thinking about everyone SIDESTEPPING me.)

Day 4!

I’m in Times Square and I’m on day 4 of going 21 consecutive days without complaining.

The Audie awards are tonight and I am very excited. They start at 7 o’clock eastern time.

Being a finalist is indescribable!

Tomorrow I’m going to the book Expo of America which is the largest booksellers event in the US. I look forward to talking to the other writers and saying hello to my publishers there.

For decades I wanted to be a writer but I was plagued by self-doubt so I never attempted writing a book.

And I’ve always loved audiobooks and I’m blown away that I am a finalist for the industry’s most prestigious award.

In the words James Allen, “Dream lofty dreams and as you dream so shall you become.”

Thanks for all your great wishes and support.

Day 2!

Okay, so I’ve managed to make it to Day 2 Complaint Free–again!

You’re probably wondering what the heck this is a picture of. Well,

It is something that I have done in an attempt to manifest something important to me.

When I was at Brilliance Audio recording my book “Happy This Year!”, I set an intention to, one day, when an Audie award.

Fast Forward 18 months and… I fly to New York tomorrow because I am a finalist in the category of Best Narration by a Personal Development author.

When I discovered that I had made it to the finals, I downloaded a picture of an Audie Award and I placed it where I would place the award itself. Dozens of times every day I pass by it and, if even for a moment, imagine myself winning.

Do I think I will win? Well, one of the other finalists in my category is none other than Dolly Parton herself. So, either way, I will have a story to tell. BTW, I’ve listened to all my fellow category finalists’ books—and they are excellent! I highly recommend all of my fellow nominees.

I’ll be posting live from NYC on Facebook and tweeting Thursday night May 29th.

Here is a link to all of the finalists: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/audio-books/article/61095-2014-audie-finalists-announced.html

 

Back to Day 1!

I’m back on Day 1. I caught myself complaining over something silly.

As I sit in our home allowing my shoulder surgery to heal, I have ample time to view the beauties of nature outside my window. One of my neighbors has a lush, green lawn; whereas, the owner of the home right next to his has a lawn that is heavily strewn with weeds.Allowed to run unchecked, the weeds will strangle out the grass. The same is true for our lives—NEGATIVE THOUGHTS, negative PEOPLE, negative SITUATIONS, negative FEELINGS ABOUT OUR jobs, negative RELATIONSHIPS—are all weeds strangling the joy out the garden of our lives.

The secret to a great garden is giving it regular care.

Who or what is a weed in your life?

How might you begin to lovingly pluck them from your garden?

 

Day 4!

You are not going to believe this! I was standing outside just now and this wild, baby bird flew up and landed on my shoulder.

What a great reminder, for me especially as I’m going through this healing process with my shoulder, that all around us is beauty, gentleness, and wholeness.

Animals don’t worry about their next meal, they don’t hold resentments, they don’t stress over climbing the corporate ladder and they don’t wonder if other animals are more successful than they are.

If you ask me, animals are the enlightened ones.

Today is my 4th day in a row without complaining. How’s it going for you?

Day 3 of the 21 Day Complaint Free Challenge!

I am on day 3.

Have you ever noticed that some people seem to have energetic hooks attached to you and are tied to you by emotional ropes?

It’s almost as if you feel like you’re being held hostage. If you don’t accept someone’s negative behavior, they will withdraw something you perceive to be beneficial. If you explain to your carpool-mate that you don’t want to hear reports of murder and rape from the news, they may no longer offer you a ride.

If you cease to sit idly by while coworkers speak negatively about your employer or fellow employees, they may no longer invite you into their inner circle.

Remember this: WHATEVER YOU STAND TO LOSE IS FAR LESS IMPORTANT THAN LOSING YOUR INTEGRITY. Stand for what you believe in.

Cast off the hooks.

Shake off the ropes.