******* The Chronic Complainer (Story, David C./ Russell)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

I wish to invite you to visit my story platform at:

https://spillwordes.com/author/davidcrussell

On June 20, 2025, my story, "The Chronic Complainer" will be featured on this site, and added to the other stories created by me over the past five years!

This story is about a young woman going through life and therapy, and struggling to become more outgoing, more sociable, more liked. I have given her the name, Haley, which I mention means 'meadow' in some parlance.

This story, "The Chronic Complainer" will be in my forthcoming self-anthology released later this year.

Final note: Please share, and please leave a like after you read the story if so inclined!

Much thanks,

David C. Russell, Author

Mellow Rock

 

Part Four: It's Time (Mellow Rock, David C. Russell, Author)

Hello Grafted In Reader,

Today is Tuesday, and summerish in my corner of blog land. The date, June 17, 2025.

We are continuing our theme of mental health considerations, but this post will be different.

I want to introduce you to Haley, who is one of the main characters from my forthcoming book, "From My Red Chair." Haley is in the second story in this collection, and a chronic complainer. We all know one or two chronic complainers for sure.

The story opens in the office of her Therapist. Incidentally, this story will be featured 'soon' on spillwords.com. Let's get a glimpse of Haley.

The Chronic Complainer

David C. Russell

“I suppose you goad or needle all of your clients,” I said.

“I don’t need an invitation to your pity party. You can host those on your own time,” said Jeff Barber, MSW

and my therapist.

“Your job is to listen, give constructive feedback, asshole,” I said in a recent session.

“Thank you for telling me of my role. If you care for a professional opinion, you apparently have a chronic,

sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity.”

“That’s quite a diagnostic. Did you get that from a Woodie Allen flick?” I asked.

He chuckled. “No, but I’m familiar with your type of personality. I have eight years of clinical experience

behind me, and have seen quite a variety.”

In common, life and therapy sessions were marked by sporadic pleasantries, small talk, but my cynicism

was alive and kicking. I learned to be a cynic from my “troubled” youth. My reason for doing therapy was

to perhaps see if another view of life could be achieved? Could one learn to “roll with the punches”? Was

there another way to let your guard down and still remain standing after a confrontation with someone,

something, even oneself?

Haley is in for a couple twists and turns during this story that will shake her somewhat out of her usual mode. How are you today with your usual mode?

Thank you for stopping by. A hello is always welcomed!

Until next visit, God Bless and Keep Us.

Mellow Rock

David C. Russell, Author

PS. For readers in the United States, give pause on Thursday to learn about the newly created day of membrance, June Teenth.

 

Part Three: Mental Health Tips (Mellow Rock, David C. Russell)

Hello Grafted In Readers,

Today is Friday June 13, 2025 in my corner of blog land. No, I'm not given to many of the Friday The Thirteenth advisements that are popular in Western culture. I do like a good mystery read, classic Edgar Alan Poe or Alfred Hitchcock cinema suits me fine.

This post is part three in our series focused on mental health and well-being. I am currently revising a small collection of six short stories with mental health as the overall theme. I will say more of this topic in future posts.

Here is our tip for this post from National Health Service based in the UK:

There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships:

Do

if possible, take time each day to be with your family, for example, try arranging a fixed time to eat dinner together

arrange a day out with friends you have not seen for a while

try switching off the TV to talk or play a game with your children, friends or family

have lunch with a colleague

visit a friend or family member who needs support or company

volunteer at a local school, hospital or community group.

Yes, we are challenged to be naturally social these days or so it seems. Some of us may be more private or outgoing than others. Probably working within our temperment to be inclusive is a way to practice some of the above tips. Your thoughts welcomed!

Until next post, thank you for dropping by. May the Lord bless and keep us!

Mellow Rock

David C. Russell, Author