Have you ever had someone say something to you that could
only be interpreted as hurtful and mean? Were you guilty of letting the comment
play over and over again in your mind? Did you allow the comment to “get to
you?”
I think at some point, all of us have been the victim
of a negative comment. It’s unfortunate but it happens. Just recently it
happened to me. I had someone say something to me that was mean and
insulting. Initially I was offended. It bothered me, but I knew I had to shake
it off.
Negative comments that are allowed to linger can and will
mess with your head and lower your self-esteem. This is why it is important
that we learn to combat negativity and protect our self-esteem.
Here is a guideline to follow:
1.
Know who you are and be confident in this image
of yourself. That way when people make comments that don’t gel with the image
that you have of yourself, you can quickly let these contrary views fade away.
2.
Realize that just because somebody says
something, doesn’t mean that it's true. It is just their opinion and it should
be treated as such.
3.
Learn the difference between constructive
criticism and destructive criticism. Constructive criticism is beneficial. It
is for your own good. It helps you to learn and grow. On the flip side,
destructive criticism is toxic. It is meant to tear you down and crush your
self-esteem.
4.
Accept yourself just as you are; this means that
you must learn to accept all aspects of your character including the good, the
bad and everything in between. There is a quote I like that I find to be true, it says, “ Once you
have accepted your flaws, no-one can use them against you.”
5.
Realize
that God doesn’t make any mistakes. He created you to be you just as you
are. You must learn to say, “By the
grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain” 1
Corinthians 15:10.
6.
Refuse to accept negativity. Don’t let negative
words get into your spirit. If a comment is detrimental and it doesn’t uplift
you, motivate you or bless you, you don’t have to accept it. Give it back to the sender and move on.
Having a healthy self-esteem is so very important. Don’t let negativity keep you down!!! Always remember that you are “amazingly and
miraculously made.” God bless.
©2013 by Tanya Guerrier.
