Lately I have had little head-space for the creative in my life...writing, baking, singing, acting, goofing-around with the kids. And yet I know that to remain sane, dance alone is not enough! Believing that all of life needs to be imbued with creativity in order to have flavour and richness, I am now thinking creatively about complaining.
I don't like to complain. It feels uncomfortable and unpleasant. However, I am beginning to see that just as my kids need my correction when they are out of line or rude (not for my sake, but for theirs), complaining to a business or service provider that hasn't got things right is more for them than it is for me.
I know that sounds wierd, but some companies pay to find out what their customers think of them, even if it isn't pleasant. So when I complain about something that's not up to scratch, that is useful information for the company. They can learn what not-to-do for next time, they also get the opportunity to fix the problem this time.
I always tell my kids, "it's not what you say, but how you say it" and I think that's the case with complaining too. So when I need to complain, I aim to take a little time, think carefully, and after writing a stinging rebuke, redraft it as a calm, reasoned suggestion.
Complaining creatively could really take off...
