Once upon a time there was a boy called George who loved playing football. However, George had a major flaw. He complained about everything. He complained about his team "The lions", about his fans and even when he won a game he would complain. He even complained about himself when he saw his reflection in the mirror!

George was in love with a girl named Claudia. She was a beautiful and funny girl  and she was the only person he didn't complain about. She was his biggest fan and wouldn't miss a game. 

George had a lot of insecurities. So one day, when his team  lost a game and the fans started insulting them, George found consolation in beer and for a moment managed to forget about their defeat. In time, the routine of drinking after a game became a habit. He also started smoking as both habits would make him feel better after a while.

George`s complaining problem started when he was a child.

“The soup is too hot.” “I don’t want to play in my room.” “I don`t like this apple.” These were sentences his parents heard from him. He shouted them to his troubled parents.

His parents didn`t know what to do about the situation. They started worrying about their son`s issue. They realized complaining wasn't good for their child. They understood that if he is always focused on the negative, he will be at a higher risk of health problems like depression or anxiety. He will also be more likely to experience social problems. 

George`s parents didn`t want their son to become a grown up with problems and unhealthy social problems. So they started helping him to be more positive. They started spending more time with him, playing in the park, watching other kids playing and smiling at their parents, reading stories together or drawing. 

Sometimes George`s parents were tempted to say something their parents told them, like, “Quit crying or I’ll give you something to cry about!" But they didn`t. They knew that saying that won't be helpful. 

They tried to be patient with him and took into consideration their child`s emotions. They said something such as, “I know you’re uncomfortable right now because then soup is too hot, but you can tell me how was your day at school till the soup cools.” 

Validating their child's discomfort was enough to settle him down for a while. It seems that showing him a little empathy and making him clear that dealing with discomfort is part of life gave results.

They taught George that he can seek for their help if he needs it and complaining isn’t likely to fix the problem. But he can ask for help solving the problem or he can figure out how to solve the problem on his own because  ” he is a big boy now” to do so.

After his parents helped him realize that complaining wouldn't take him anywhere good, he started trying to stop smoking and drinking as these two habits made  him feel bad about himself.

One day after taking a shower,  he looked in the mirror and began to reflect about what would make him feel  better and regain his self-esteem so he decided to create a routine. He told himself:

- Should I try again? Last time it didn't work! Will I be successful or will I end up not getting out of bed again?

He got out of the bathroom with a troubled look on his face. His mother asked him:

-Son, are you okay? 

-Yes, mom, I was just thinking. I have come to a decision.