The experiment...

I've finished reading "A Complaint Free World" by Will Bowen - and I am excited to begin the 21 Day Challenge. If you're not familiar with the Complaint Free World movement, you can learn more about it here or find a copy of the book at your local library. The challenge is this: to go 21 consecutive days without complaining, gossiping, or criticizing. Bowen even sends out purple bracelets as a reminder/honor system with the challenge.

"Here's how to use the bracelet:
1. Begin to wear the bracelet on either wrist.
2. When you catch yourself complaining, gossiping or criticizing, move the bracelet to the other wrist and begin again.
3. If you hear someone else who is wearing a purple bracelet complain, it's okay to point out their need to switch the bracelet to the other arm; BUT if you're going to do this, you must move your bracelet first! Because you're complaining about their complaining.
4. Stay with it. It may take many months to reach 21 consecutive days. The average is 4-8 months."

In November 2001 my friend Josh and I tried to stop complaining for the month - leading up to Thanksgiving. It was a very interesting experiment, not a lot of structure - but I remember that time of very consciencely listening to the words coming out of my mouth. We also cheated...a lot.

I'm excited to get started...I've ordered an official bracelet - but will be using another bracelet until it arrives. Awesome!