My blog and instagram account was born out of the desire to have a positive impact on others and also to feed my own soul with positiveness. So why today am I writing about negativity? Simply because I believe that negativity is a positive thing if addressed rightly.
I recently had a negative comment on my blog (the beauty of social media with your life out there is that you get all sorts of messages, both positive and negative) and my first reaction in my head was “oh that’s not nice”, the second being “I have a fan”, “this is how all those controversial talk show hosts actually make money”, “no news is bad news” 🙂
I think we need to change the way we look at negative people, negative souls and negative circumstances. We should not look at them as instruments that have come to play a destructive part in our lives rather we should explore them as opportunities and platforms to propel us into more and better. Propelling us into better could mean making us more tolerant of individuals or making us more open to possibilities beyond our limited view in turn growing us into being better beings.
Kim Kardashian is one extreme example but a relevant one nonetheless: Kimmy K turned a sex tape scandal into a money making venture. I do not have an opinion on how her fame came about but what I can say is that she built her EMPIRE off negativity. You might hate her but I am pretty sure she sleeps well with all the negativity around her and you know why? All that negativity keeps her relevant and keeps the $$$$ rolling in.
Another simple example is one receiving a bad performance review from one’s boss. This review simply gives you an opportunity to prove better performance next time. I truly believe that those we remember are those who make a change rather than those who necessarily remain the same (simply because change makes a better story).
My words for you today are: When you encounter negativity, trying times, difficulties, know that you are simply being tested and given an opportunity to either grow or remain the same. I implore you to choose the former each and every time.
“Negative people need drama like oxygen. Stay positive, it’ll take their breath away.” || Tony Gaskins
Much love
Sassy xx
Interesting read.
I agree that “constructive” criticism should drive improvement but I’m not sure that’s quite the same as negativity.
You’re right, sometimes what we need in life is not a cheerleader, but a coach; someone who will point our our growth areas and help us develop, but a negative statement is more a reflection of the person making it than the subject.
Thank you for your comment. I agree that it’s not necessary the same as negative but there can be a thin line between them depending on how they are interpreted. I guess whether its constructive criticism or negativity, we need to take what we can from it without feeding it.
I couldn’t agree more with you on this one!
It is so amazing the amount of negativity that you can find online, and I think the hardest part is finding the constructive versus destructive.
Also, I think the negativity help keeps us grounded and balanced. Sometimes, there is nothing better than the feeling you get when you overcome adversity. It motivates you to keep going and become even stronger.
So glad I found your blog!
Thanks Jillian. I fully concur with you when you speak about the feeling one receives after overcoming adversity and negativity acting to keep one grounded (we forget how important it is to be grounded). I am happy you enjoyed the blog and hope to see you on here soon!
Lovely post! And very true words.
I think that everyone will at some point have to encounter negativity… because negative people abound and are always looking for ways to quell the light they see in someone who, unlike them, is not afraid to shine. But just like you said, the best we can do for ourselves, is to first appreciate that there’ll always be negativity– this will keep us less astounded when they come about, and more able to deal with them as we should.
Negativity stings! And it’s difficult to deal with. But the best way to deal with it, I guess, is to embrace it.
Welldone! Keep Inspiring. 🙂
Thank you for your words. They are truly appreciated.:)