The Complainer

Complainers can be real “downers,” putting everyone in a less than happy mood. Do you do that? Or know someone who does? If you know someone who does, then you know that sick feeling complainers have in your life. The unhappy complainer might be looking for sympathy, but they also might want to make others unhappy because they are unhappy. Unwittingly, complainers cheat themselves. Those who follow along or accept the complainer’s negative viewpoint cheat themselves of happiness, too. That’s because complainers are totally blind to “what could be,” incapable of seeing the joy of life they could be experiencing!

That’s the story of Eunice.

* * *

Eunice complains incessantly. She complains to complain, telling anyone who listens how unfair life is to her. I never get a break. Others get ahead. Regardless of the situation, she is always passed over. Her “whoa is me” attitude is an effort to seek sympathy, hoping someone will feel sorry for her. Initially, many people do feel sympathy, but they

soon disregard her when she continues to complain, never expressing gratitude. Instead, complainers find something else to complain about! The sad truth is, complainers are poisonous people, who victimize those who listen. Anyone who associates with a complainer ends up losing—or missing out. That’s because they mirror the complainer. Negativity attracts negativity, which is why complainers are losers. This fact is what Alice learns after knowing Eunice for several months. Once in high demand at the local theaters as a professional dancer, Alice finds herself with fewer engagements, wondering why she is being passed over and no longer sought after.

“You’re just drying up!” Eunice tells her flatly.

“I don’t think so, Eunice!” Alice replies stubbornly.

“Oh yes, you are!” Eunice responds shrilly. “You’re too old!”

Alice looks at Eunice harshly, her lips pressed tightly. Eunice continues to point out that Alice should give up dancing altogether.

“Admit it, Alice. You’re too old!” Eunice tells Alice squarely.

Alice’s mouth frowns, feeling the sting of those words. She does not want to believe Eunice.

“How can I be too old to do what I love? I’ve danced all my life!” Alice wails.

“Yeah, Alice, but now you’ve got to face facts. You’re too old,” Eunice tells her flatly. “No one wants to watch a granny in a tutu!”

Alice is mortified. “That's my costume! I’m not going to wear a full-length coat to do my dance numbers!” Alice retaliates, her voice trembling.

Have I really gotten too old to do what I love? Fear fills her senses.

Eunice’s voice is unforgiving as she continues to smash Alice’s love of dance. Alice's expression becomes forlorn as her body droops. Her eyes look away as Eunice’s voice fades to a memory that carries Alice back many years. She sees a scene of when she was a little girl. It’s a dance studio. Alice looks at Eunice, whose mouth is moving non-stop. Then she looks away, hearing the dance studio.

A young Alice is watching her dance instruction, Miss Libby move beauti-fully to the music, expressing her love of this art form.

Miss Libby is a young woman in her twenties, wearing her hair in a tight bun and a simple

Leotard and ballet shoes. Alice becomes enthralled by her teacher’s movements. Miss Libby is so graceful. Miss Libby moves like her body has become one with the music. I bet she can still move like that! Alice watches her teacher. She flows! Alice is mesmerized, remembering her first impression. This teacher has shown her something she will always cherish – the love of dance!

Alice closes her eyes for a moment, sealing that feeling. Yes. I still love it!

Her posture shifts, as she lets out a deep breath. Her facial expression relaxes. Her eyes are now shining brightly, as she opens her eyes. Eunice’s voice has become more prevalent as Alice surveys Eunice’s appearance. Before her is a woman whose eyes lost their spark years ago. Eunice’s mouth droops against sallow skin that frames a tired face. When was the last time this woman smiled?

Alice watches Eunice for several minutes, while Eunice robotically talks ad nauseam about “old woman in tutus.” She is completely oblivious to the shift in Alice’s expression, which is now renewed, sparked by a memory that has revived her. Had Eunice paid attention, she would have seen that Alice’s face radiates health. Alice is feeling the flame of a memory she had forgotten; her soul rekindled. Turning to non-stop talking Eunice, she raises her hand.

“Stop!”

Eunice stops deadpanned, surprised by this bold command by Alice.

"You’ve expressed your thoughts, Eunice. However, I feel differently. I feel there is another way”

“Another way?” Eunice blurts.

“Yes, Eunice. I will express this ‘other way’ with a special performance. I will get the word out–I suggest you attend. It might help you to remember.”

“Remember?” Eunice asks.

Alice puts a finger to her lips, indicating “not another word.” Eunice obeys, as Alice turns quickly and leaves.

Within a few weeks, Alice announces that she is giving a recital for “The Love of Dance.”

The news of this special performance becomes the buzz of the dance studio, where Alice is a Head Teacher. Students and instructors are anxious to see this “special” performance by Alice, who has promised it will be unlike anything they have ever seen.

On the evening of the performance, the theater is packed. When the music begins, Alice is years younger. Her face is aglow with light, as she moves gracefully across the stage. She moves with perfect precision in sync with the music. It’s a flawless performance. When the music stops and her performance ends, the room full of people are silent. Everyone is in awe of what they have just seen. From the back of the theater a voice shouts, “Bravo!”

The rest of the audience joins in with a standing ovation that lasts for several minutes. Alice’s face is beaming, deeply moved by the audience’s response. Having given her best performance, she is filled with humility and gratitude. When the audience stops clapping, Alice walks to the microphone. Her voice is sincere with appreciation as she makes the following announcement.

“Ladies and Gentlemen! I am deeply moved by your response to my performance tonight. However, it could not have been possible without the expression of another woman, who is with us tonight.”

All are curious who Alice means.

“Please warmly welcome Miss Libby!”

All heads turn to see an elderly woman walk on the stage and stand next to Alice.

“This woman standing next to me is the reason you enjoyed tonight’s performance. From the first time I saw this lady dance, I fell in love with dance. She is my inspiration. Please express your deepest appreciation for Miss Libby, my first dance instructor!”

The audience stands, clapping loudly, as the diminutive woman bows in deep appreciation for this recognition. While accepting their warm reception, both women receive a cascade of flowers. This causes the audience to cheer. While waving to the audience, Alice sees Eunice, whose expression is puzzling. Making a mental note, Alice walks off the stage with Miss Libby. Once behind the curtain, Alice gives Miss Libby a hug.

“You have no idea how precious remembering your dancing was!” Alice tells Miss Libby truthfully.

"Thank God, I made an impression!” Miss Lilly responds with a smile to the compliment.

“Your performance tonight was superb, Alice! I'm so happy I made an impression on you!” Miss Libby’s eyes beam.

Both ladies embrace, happy to share something very special–the love of dance.

A few days later, Alice visits Eunice. Braced to hear Eunice diatribe, Alice is prepared for criticism. Regardless of what Eunice says, Alice has decided won’t stop her from continuing to dance and teach dance for as long as she’s able.

“That was quite a performance you gave.” Eunice tells Alice squarely.

“Am I hearing you, right? It sounds like you are giving me a compliment, Eunice!”

"Yes. I guess I am. You were better than I expected.”

“Surprised that an old lady can still move like that!” Alice interrupts.

“I didn't think you had it in you, I didn't think anyone at your age could have it in them!” Eunice replies, red-faced.

“Eunice, it just goes to show that when you love something that love comes through in a miraculous way.”

“It sure did for you, Alice! That was quite a standing ovation!” Eunice quips.

Alice smiles, remembering how good it felt to hear the crowd cheering her. Sensing Eunice is in a good mood, Alice decides to ask Eunice a serious question.

“Eunice, did you ever love anything?”

Eunice’s expression shifts.

“Of course I did. But that was a long time ago.”

“Really!” Alice asks. “What was it?"

“Oh, I gave up a long time ago, so it’s not important.”

"Gave up on what?" Alice insists.

“Singing!” Eunice blurts.” I gave up on signing.”

“Singing! Oh, Euni! That’s wonderful!” Alice interjects.

“It was, but I don’t do that anymore!”

“Why not? Maybe it’s time you gave it another chance?” Alice asks.

“I’d be awful, Alice! I haven’t sung in years,” Eunice admits.

“Maybe. But there’s no harm in trying. Why not meet with the choir director at church and hear what he says?” Alice asks.

“I ...I don’t know,” Eunice stammers. “I might make a fool out of myself.”

“In church? I don’t think so.” Alice tells Eunice adamantly.

Eunice looks at her, unsure of what to say.

“You know, Euni, if you would give yourself a chance, you might be surprised by what happens,”

Alice tells her bluntly, “Besides, it won’t cost you anything and it might change your life!”

Eunice shrugs and agrees to try.

Several weeks later, Alice sees Eunice, who is unusually quiet. Unsure what to make of “quiet” Eunice, Alice takes a deep breath and decides “to go for it.”

“Well, Eunice,” Alice asks cheerfully. “How’d it go with the choir director?”

Eunice, who has deliberately pretended to put on an unhappy face, suddenly bursts into a grin. Her words flow nonstop.

“I’m singing! Can you believe it? I’m singing a solo in church on Sunday!” Eunice beams.

“Euni! That’s wonderful!” Alice gushes, relieved to hear the good news. “You know I won’t miss that!”

In church that Sunday, Alice is praying the service soon ends because the choir’s performance is lackluster. That is until she hears a voice that lifts her heart with joy. Standing on her tip toes, she stretches to get a better look at who is singing. Her mouth drops, stunned to see that it is Eunice that has captured the attention of everyone in the church. Eunice appears beautiful; her face radiating joy while her spectacular voice carries the choir to a glorious crescendo.

When the service ends, Alice rushes to Eunice to tell her how wonderful her performance was. She stops in her tracks. Eunice is surrounded by a throng of congregants, expressing these same sentiments. Realizing Eunice is enjoying this recognition, Alice catches Eunice’s eyes and throws her a kiss. Eunice is glowing! Beaming, she returns the kiss with a wave.

Walking away, Alice is in awe how things have changed for Eunice. I don't think she’s going to complain anymore! Alice surmises now that Eunice has found something she loves.

That simple attitude shift makes “Life doesn’t give me a break” to

“Life always gives me a break when I express something I love.”

When you do that life unfolds as the beautiful experience it’s meant to be. There’s no reason to be an unhappy complainer when you express the love that’s inside you!