Skirt--Banana Republic
Tee and Cardi--J.Crew
Pumps--UO
Bag:--Handbag Heaven
Criticism.
It doesn't define me.
It doesn't have any basis in my self-worth.
And yet...
I could let myself be kept in turmoil, stumbling each way I turn.
It's a balancing act--trusting yourself when others doubt you, yet being strong enough to make allowance for their doubting, too. When criticism comes, I think the most constructive approach is to ask myself, "Is there any truth to this?" and if so, adjust, then move on and pray that when people bump my cup, the purest water spills over the edges.
I am my father's daughter. It was never in my make-up to play it safe...to avoid attempting something hard for fear of failure. With me, it's more do-or-die...give it everything or nothing. There's no effort accomplished without error and shortcomings. The greatest reward comes from striving valiantly to do that thing critics say cannot be done even while I am doing it.
Perhaps, when seen through the best light, criticism is a girl's best friend...tangible proof that while I might not be doing a flawless job, I am at least doing a job worth noticing.
Criticism.
It doesn't define me.
It doesn't have any basis in my self-worth.
It doesn't make me a lesser person.
And if I can rise above, it might make me a better person.
How do you deal with criticism?
Cute outfit-as always!
ReplyDeleteI hope I am mature enough to listen to what is said-or implied-and look for truth in the statements, change what I can, and let the rest go. I am at the stage of life now where I would really like some honest feedback from those who love and know me best, especially where my walk with Jesus is concerned. I don't want to have blinders on and fool myself. I want to be pleasing to my Savior!
1. I love the outfit
ReplyDelete2. As about the critisism... I cry for a little bit and then think if it was right or not. If yes, then I think what can I do to change, if not then whatever :P
I hope I am adult enough to recognise the spirit in which the criticism is given. Is it someone who is interested in my growth? Who wants me to be all that God wants me to be? Or is it from someone who aspires to make themselves feel better by making me feel worse? We all have points that we could improve on - and I think often we recognise what those are when they are pointed out to us. But at the end of the day, our value is in how God sees us. Because he sees the Kristina's, the Sheree's and others of the world, right to their core. And HE KNOWS everything that is there. So I just pray that He helps me fix them. :)
ReplyDeleteKristina, You don't know me but I love looking at your designs and combination of wardrobe. I also really needed your thoughts on criticism. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I love how you incorporate graphic tees into beautiful and elegant looks.
ReplyDeleteSecond, it took me a long time to get to the point of being able to appreciate what you've said here. I'm the opposite of you--it's in my nature to play it safe--but as my identity and worth is anchored more and more in who God is and who he says I am it becomes much easier to receive criticism. When I can separate criticism from my perceived value as a person, it more easily becomes my friend instead of my fear. I also agree with what Seaweed and Raine said above about the spirit in which criticism is given. Sometimes, when given in the wrong spirit, it's not even the actual things said are hurtful, but more the attack itself. That kind of criticism is never fun because then it IS personal and devaluing. As a teenager, I was the giver of that kind of criticism and it was indeed just to make myself feel better by making others feel worse. Now, I aim to give criticism to others with grace and love, in a way that is for them and not against them, and to call out the best in them.
You look so pretty in earth tones!! Lovely!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on criticism. I'm not very good a dealing with it so I just do my best to ignore it.
ReplyDeleteHmm criticism is never a fun thing and is always difficult to handle.
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing in this outfit.
Lovely colours in your outfit, you look great in it!
ReplyDeleteWow that's a thorny question! I think much depends on the tone with which the criticism was given, whom it is from and the seriousness of the criticism :)
Lovely outfit and beautiful poem/prose text.
ReplyDeleteCriticism. Hmmm, I can identify myself in the passionate and enthusiastic way in which one may stand and fight for something. But… what is true? What is wright/wrong? What is good/evil? As the saying goes “nothing is permanent but change” and I rather like what Oscar Wilde once wrote: “A thing is not necessarily true because a man dies for it.”
Not sure this might interest you but, you never know... (http://sergecar.perso.neuf.fr/index.htm). A French high-school teacher created this site on philosophy. Some of its articles are translated in English (click the British flag) and I find it really good. I would be curious to know what you think about it (oh, yes, please do not be put off by the not so beautiful - to my eyes - homepage!).
Cheers!
Love thE outfit n photos...:) when it comes 2 criticism it depends because sometime 4 me it is good n practical n constructive, sometimes when it doesn't have strong roots n purpose, it really disappoints me...:(
ReplyDeleteYou're beautiful! Criticisms are good, depending on how they're presented. If it's someone I know that just likes to point out only negative things, I don't care too much about it. But, if I see that there's something right about what the person said, I might take it into consideration. Then again, if it has no meaning or makes no sense, there's no need to dwell on it. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://mystyledexpressions.blogspot.com/
I LOVE this look! I love wearing a tee with a skirt and a cardigan! An outfit after my own heart! -Jessica
ReplyDeleteTHEJESSICALBLOG.COM