Wearing: Pink + Black

Skirt:  Banana Republic (store only)

Blouse:  LOFT

Bag:  Ralph Lauren Chaps

Flats:  Steve Madden

Watch:  AE

Sometimes, you can't escape the bad days that turn into bad weeks. You can't escape the self-doubt and insecurity your heart holds on to. Irrational...that's what it is, so I'm thinking if I acknowledge the beauty, I can follow my blessings into the light. 

I'm thankful for:

the sun, even when it doesn't shine,

the rain, even when it ruins my hair.

Makenzie, because she's such a girl (just like me),

lots of friends, though I hate when lots of miles separate us,

fabric, because it's so much fun to manipulate,

chocolate, because even though it can't solve life's problems,

it does make them seem temporarily small and silly

compared to sheer taste-bud ecstasy,

Reagan, because there's never a dull moment with him,

tears, because they wash away the emotional junk,

parents, because without them I'd be nothing,

hugs,even when they're not long enough,

Konrad, because he reminds me of my brother,

laughter, because it keeps me sane,

criticism, because it keeps me grounded,

confidence, though there are times it is annoyingly evasive,

a relationship with Christ, because without Him,

I'm the most bitter, unlovable version of myself,

Scott, there's no such thing as too much time with him,

words, because they are so delicious,

music, because it communicates with a place deep inside me,

love, because it always remains,

and you, for taking the time to read this.

                                                         

Wearing: Earth Tones

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?