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Complainers Lose

It’s been said that complainers never win. You may not agree with that if your experience has you believing "the squeaky wheel” gets results. Effective complaining does get results. However, those persons who always complain can find themselves missing out on opportunities because they never allow things to change.

That’s the story of Eunice.

Eunice complains incessantly. She complains about everything. She complains to anyone who listens how unfair life is. She never gets a break. Others get ahead, while she is passed over. Often her “whoa is me stories” are an effort to seek sympathy, hoping someone will feel sorry for her. Initially, many do feel sympathy for her, but they soon disregard her when she only complains and never expresses gratitude for the sympathy she does receive. Eventually, they pull away, leaving her alone to wallow in her own self pity.

The sad truth is, complainers are poisonous. Anyone who associates with a complainer becomes one, too. Negativity attracts negativity and why complainers are losers. This harsh fact of life is what Alice learns, after knowing Eunice for several years. Once, in high demand at the local theaters as a professional dancer, Alice finds herself with fewer engagements, wondering why she is passed over, and no longer in demand.”

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

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

“Oh yes, you are!” Eunice responds with a shrill. “ You're too old!”

Alice looks at Eunice harshly as her lips pierce, listening to Eunice go into a diatribe about how Alice is now too old and should give up dancing all together.

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

Alice’s mouth droops, not wanting to believe this statement, while feeling crushed not to be wanted.

“How can I be too old not to do what I love?

“I’ve danced all my life!” Alice exclaims .

“Yeah, Alice, but now you've got to face facts. You're too old”” Eunice tells her flatly. “No one wants to watch an old broad trollop on the stage in a little tu tu.”

Alice is mortified. “That’s my costume! And it’s art! I’m not going to wear a full length coat to do my dance numbers!” Alice wails. Her voice trembles.

Have I really gotten too old to do what I love?

Eunice’s voice is unforgiving as she continues to smash Alice and her love of dance. Alice’s expression becomes more forlorn as her body droops. Her gaze looks away, as Eunice's voice is drowned out by music that fills her senses.

Eunice’s mouth is moving, but Alice doesn't hear a word. She is focused on a scene from many years ago when a little girl. She is at a dance studio, where she and other children are watching their dance instructor, Miss Libby.

Miss Libby is a young woman in her twenties, who wears her hair in a tight bun, and a simple leotard and ballet shoes. Although simply dressed, Alice becomes enthralled in her movements. She is so graceful with an expression that radiates a deep appreciation for dance. She moves as if her body has become one with the music. Alice is mesmerized. This teacher is showing her something she will always cherish—- the love of dance!

Alice closes her eyes and feels the love of that performance, a feeling that she is now absorbing with the memory. Her posture and facial expression shift, as the love of dance has come upon her. Her eyes open to see Eunice’s face. Alice takes a long look at Eunice, whose skin color is sallow, with a mouth that frowns, and eyes that show no spark. When was the last time this woman smiled? Has she ever laughed?

Alice continues to watch Eunice for several minutes, as Eunice unwittingly talks ad nauseum about “how unfair life is.” She is oblivious of the shift in Alice’s expression, which has become renewed, sparked by a memory that has revived her. New health is on her face, as Alice feels the flame of life, she had forgotten, but has now rekindled her soul.

She turns to Eunice with a raised hand.

“Enough!”

Eunice stops deadpanned, surprised by this bold demeanor Alice is now expressing.

“Your thoughts have been considered, Eunice but I feel there is another way.”

“Another way?” Eunice asks without thinking.

“Yes, Eunice. My love of dance that I haven’t expressed in a very long time. It will be a special performance. You suggest you come and see. It might spark your love for something too!”

Eunice stands there, unable to speak. Instead she watches Alice, who confidently puts her finger to her lips, expressing to Eunice “not to say another word.” Eunice remains silent. Without another word, Alice leaves.

Within a few weeks, Alice announces that she will be performing a recital for “The Love of Dance.” Ticket sales are brisk, as news travels about this special performance.

Dressed in a simple leotard with her hair in a tight bun, Alice dances to the music she remembers when she was a child. Her body moves, as if she is years younger, while the expression on her face is aglow with light. She is graceful, radiant, mastering every move with perfect precision. When her performance ends and the music stops, everyone is silent. All are in awe, mesmerized by her performance. Suddenly the crowd cheers, giving her a standing ovation that lasts for several minutes. Alice’s face is aglow, as she bows in appreciation. She danced with her heart, expressing her love of dance with every step. Apparently, the audience admired her performance, feeling her genuine expression this evening.

When the room becomes silent again, Alice walks to the microphone with deep gratitude for their appreciation for her love of dance. A feeling that began many years ago when she met a very special person who opened her heart to this art form.

“She is here with us this evening! She is the reason for this performance!”

Heads turn to see who this person is.

“Miss Libby, please come to the stage.”

All watch as an elderly woman walks to the stage and stands next to Alice.

“The woman standing next to me is the reason you enjoyed tonight’s performance. The first time I saw her dance, I saw love in action. From that moment on, I was hooked! Please join me in deep gratitude for Miss Libby, my first dance instructor!”

The audience stands, clapping loudly, as a diminutive woman in a tight bun warmly receives their admiration. While accepting this warm reception from the audience, each woman is given a cascade of flowers. Alice waves to the audience as she 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.

“Your performance was superb, Alice! I’m so happy to be a part of that!” Miss Libby gushes, her eyes beaming. Both ladies smile, knowing they share something very special: the love of dance.

A few days afterwards, Alice sees Eunice. Alice had already decided that regardless of what Eunice says, she would continue to dance for as long as she lives.

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

“Am I hearing a “cheerful” Eunice voice?” Alice asks Eunice.

“It was better than I expected, Alice Surprised, really.”

“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 would have it in them!” Eunice exclaims red faced.

“Eunive, it just goes to show when you do what you love in you, love comes through you in miraculous ways.”

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

Alice smiles, remembering how good it felt to give all the love she has for dance in her performance, and feeling the audience's appreciation with a standing ovation! That’s the connection every artist dreams. Seeing Eunice watching her she decides to ask Eunice a serious question.

“Eunice, was there ever anything that you truly loved?”

Eunice becomes very quiet.

“Yes, there was, but I was told it was a waste of time.”

“Really! What was it?”

“I gave up on it, so it’s not important.”

“Gave up on what?” Alice insists.

“Singing! I used to like to sing—-“ Eunice blurts.

“Sing! Oh Euni! That's wonderful! “ Alice interjects.

“Well. It’s not if you don’t do it anymore! “

“Maybe It’s time you gave it another chance?” Alice asks.

“I’d be awful! I haven’t sung in years.” Eunice surmises.

“Maybe. But there’s no harm trying. Why not meet with the choir director at church and hear what he thinks?” 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 gave yourself half a chance, you might be surprised by what happens.” Alice tells her before adding, ”Anyway, it won’t cost anything to find out! And it might change your life!“

Eunice shrugs and agrees to try.

Several weeks later, Alice sees Eunice who is unusually quiet. Unsure how to accept Eunice’s expression, Alice decides to “go for it.”

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

Eunice who has deliberately been putting on an unhappy face, suddenly bursts into a smile, her words flowing non stop.

“I’m singing! 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!”

The singing in church that morning was lackluster until Eunice stepped in with the solo, moving the choir to sing the rest of the hymn with bold reverence. Alice was stunned. Never had she seen her friend look so glorious, as her voice carried the choir to a beautiful crescendo.

When the service ended, Alice rushes to Eunice, who is grinning, surrounded by so many fans, expressing how wonderful her voice is.

Realizing Eunice is enjoying this recognition, Alice throws Eunice a kiss who returns the gesture with a wave. Walking away, Alice thinks about how things have changed for Eunice. She surmises that Eunice now knows the importance of changing one’s attitude. Life does give you “a break!” In fact, you'll get break after break when you stop complaining and give life a chance.