You don’t have to preach a sermon. You don’t have to quote twenty-five scripture verses. Just a few kind words can start the healing process for someone else. ~ Joel Osteen Ministries
The last few years, I have been doing a great deal of inner reflection, and have worked hard to be positive and to acknowledge the many blessings I have in my life. Being grateful has improved my outlook on life and the challenges I face.
But even riding a wave of gratefulness, I still get hit by rogue waves. Undertow can leave me breathless and sputtering for air.
The other night, right after reading a wonderful comment from a reader, I found an awful, negative review. It was by far, the harshest review yet. The earlier, warm glow of praise slid right off. I floundered in the waves and forgot how to swim.
This reviewer seemed angry and vengeful and went so far as to condemn the writing of my sequel. I understand my book will be judged by all who read it. And, I expect that some will not enjoy the story. A strong review either way, feels personal.
I allowed myself to get pulled out with the current, and like swallowing a mouthful of salty, sea water, I ingested her anger. It sat in my stomach, a big ball of acid, poisoning my blood and spreading through whole body. I literally felt sick.
Thankfully, I am blessed to be surrounded by good people: family, co-workers, friends and other writer acquaintances. They made me look at the reviewer from another perspective, one that made me feel less inclined to be hurt. And as if that weren't enough, I was blown away by readers who came forward to offer touching words of encouragement for my writing. I cannot begin to explain how restorative it is to have this kind of support. I'm not proud that I let this one review affect me so, but I am re-centered with my feet once again planted firmly in the sand.
Negativity breeds negativity. If you don't swim against the current you will be dragged out into a vast ocean of it. Surround yourself with positive, restorative people. People who will keep you from drifting out to sea. Likewise, be supportive to those around you.
Sea water has a terrible affect on the body, and rogue waves can hit when you least expect them. A good rule of thumb is to keep a few lifeguards nearby.
Peace.
But even riding a wave of gratefulness, I still get hit by rogue waves. Undertow can leave me breathless and sputtering for air.
The other night, right after reading a wonderful comment from a reader, I found an awful, negative review. It was by far, the harshest review yet. The earlier, warm glow of praise slid right off. I floundered in the waves and forgot how to swim.
This reviewer seemed angry and vengeful and went so far as to condemn the writing of my sequel. I understand my book will be judged by all who read it. And, I expect that some will not enjoy the story. A strong review either way, feels personal.
I allowed myself to get pulled out with the current, and like swallowing a mouthful of salty, sea water, I ingested her anger. It sat in my stomach, a big ball of acid, poisoning my blood and spreading through whole body. I literally felt sick.
Thankfully, I am blessed to be surrounded by good people: family, co-workers, friends and other writer acquaintances. They made me look at the reviewer from another perspective, one that made me feel less inclined to be hurt. And as if that weren't enough, I was blown away by readers who came forward to offer touching words of encouragement for my writing. I cannot begin to explain how restorative it is to have this kind of support. I'm not proud that I let this one review affect me so, but I am re-centered with my feet once again planted firmly in the sand.
Negativity breeds negativity. If you don't swim against the current you will be dragged out into a vast ocean of it. Surround yourself with positive, restorative people. People who will keep you from drifting out to sea. Likewise, be supportive to those around you.
Sea water has a terrible affect on the body, and rogue waves can hit when you least expect them. A good rule of thumb is to keep a few lifeguards nearby.
Peace.
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