Recently, after reading one of my posts, a new acquaintance wrote to me and said, "You must love words".

That got me thinking.

Yes, of course, I do love words.

Our English language is ripe with interesting twists and turns and full of humour...humour laced with curious surprise.

I love to read words.

I love to write words.

But, most of all, I love to think about words.

That will probably surprise many people because I expect many people perceive me as more of a talker than a thinker.

What's worse, most people probably perceive me as a complainer, possibly a rather pessimistic person. Naturally, I have a much kinder opinion of myself. I consider myself to be more of a thinker than, say, a constant complainer. That is not to say I do not express objections rather regularly. (so much for whatever that rule means about 'no double negatives')

I have learned to free up time to listen to most [but not all] people who complain. Usually, where there's smoke there's fire. And, where there's fire a spark is likely to be lurking nearby. And we all know sparks ignite.

And sometimes sparks ignite change for the better.

I wouldn't want to be blind to those sparks.

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Curiosity uncovers problems.

Complaints are, at their roots, statements of problems.

Problems are wonderful routes to opportunities.

P=2S+O

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It's attitude that counts most. 

Problems uncovered with a spirit of adventure are valuable enough to excuse the complaints that carry them.

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Don't shoot the messenger until you've at least had a chance to see the opportunity.