Sometimes we have to fight against the urge to try to say and do what other people want of us. We will earn their respect more by thinking and doing what they did not think or what they did not dare.

When someone critizes us, it is easy to get angry. However it is to our advantage to listen and to consider what they have to say. We can simply let it go if the criticism is completely out of line and unfounded. Yet sometimes it can be valuable and productive to objectively consider what our critics are thinking.

Be careful of the words you say, keep them soft and sweet; you never know from day to day, which words you’ll have to eat. Remember, words can heal; words can harm.

The worst response to criticism is to become angry, insulted and defensive. For by doing so, we actually give more power and credibility to that criticism. Instead, we could listen carefully and appreciatively to what our critics have to say. Even if the criticism is decidedly negative, somewhere there are positive insights that we can gain from it.

We should not let our ego prevent us from learning something valuable. Being receptive to criticism strengthens our confidence and can improve our competence.

Instead of getting angry and defensive over the words of others, we could choose to know and understand what others think of us; choose to listen, consider and grow stronger because of them.

However, there are times when it may be difficult for us to recover ourselves when we feel we are being critized or attacked which could prevent us to speak and act our truth. This is when we would do well to remember the old saying about letting certain things roll off us, like water off a duck’s back.

Most of the time, the attacks and criticisms of others have much more to do with them and how they are feeling, than with us. If we can hear the feedback that others have to offer, and take in anything that might actually be constructive, and then release that which has nothing to do with us, that is a great place to be!

But if we cannot take something in from the outside without hurting ourselves, we need to compassionately recognize that. It is when we make like a duck, shaking it off and letting it roll off our back as we continue our way in the world. Walk like a duck, letting the water roll off your back!

 

Tim