Brush Those Haters Off - Kathy Caprino

Brush Those Haters Off Hello! Hows your week going?   Great, I hope. Personally, Ive had a few hard knocks this week from several people who indicated theyd like to offer constructive feedback, but then proceeded to tear down and put down. Helpful or Hurtful? Its an interesting experience, to come open-hearted to someone to receive their feedback, thinking it will be a growing experience to hear their thoughts, only to discover that the input is not coming from a kind, compassionate  or caring place, or being offered as a means of help.   Know what I mean?   Have you experienced that lately too?   As a trained therapist, communicator and energy worker, I feel energy.   I feel a vast energetic difference between words that come from someone who has clear vision, whos done the inner work, and who is offering feedback from a caring,  service-oriented place, versus  input from one who hasnt done the hard work of examining herself and understanding her own fears, vulnerabilities or dark side.    Sure, there are times when we hear critical input and it hurts, but we know deep down that its well-intended and important to take in.   But in the cases where the giver is not intending to be helpful,  (and is just lashing out instead),  we should NOT take it in. Its vitally important to be able to differentiate.   After all, (as my new friend just shared), You dont have to catch every ball thats thrown at you. As hard as it is to be torn down, Im using it as fodder for growth.  Im taking the time to settle into it and feel what its teaching me.   Im looking at how I co-created the space for it.  Im  also continuing to build stronger boundaries, and remembering that not everyone is going to like us!   As You Spread Your Wings, You Bump into More Things Ive heard, and now believe, that the clearer we get about who we are and what were doing here, the more powerful and purposeful we are on that path, the more people will find us off-putting or threatening (and unlikable)!   Ive heard it said that if youre not offending anyone, youre not taking a strong enough stand!   Intriguing concept, and Im seeing a good deal of validity in it. As Ive been experiencing some challenging feedback that didnt feel as if it were coming from a pure place, perhaps you have too?   I hope not, but if so, please remember this:   Youre awesome, and youre working very diligently to come from a place of service and to help many, from your heart.   You are special, and its time to stop shying away from your specialness.   You have the right to share your uniqueness in a powerful way with others.    And if others bristle or lash out, dont dishonor yourself by beating yourself up that youve done something wrong.   Treat yourself with love and compassion (and find compassion in your heart for the hater).    But also find the courage (and take the time) to learn the important lessons you need to experience, all along the way.   Brush Those Haters Off!   If someone tears you down with cruelty or out of spite or jealously, brush the hater off and pick yourself up!    Dont be dragged down.   Certainly, find compassion and understanding in your heart, but remember that only you can understand and recognize your true path.   Keep true to yourself, and dont let the detractors knock you down. (Deep thanks go to my amazing virtual assistant Yoana Brecker, of Advantage Virtual Support for that sound and caring piece of advice!)   Have you been put down lately out of the blue?   What did it teach you?   Please SHARE.