(starting the week with a positive mind)
MOVING ON
(one way of surmounting small hurdles)
This ever happen to you?
A few days ago I received some good news regarding a short story I'd written. Certain that he'd be happy for me, I called an old friend to share the details of my recent win. But to my surprise said friend was less than enthused by my call and instead proceeded to belittle my accomplishments. Rather than acknowledge that my hard work, minimal sleep and talent earned me my props, he instead attributed my victory to mere good luck. This supposed friend then continued to diminish my talents by suggesting that my writing was inferior in comparison to established artists/writers. Wow! Needless to say, I was shocked, especially since I'd taken him out to dinner only weeks earlier to celebrate his recent job promotion. I ended the conversation deeply hurt, unsure of our friendship and stung by his inexplicably negative vibes. Didn't see that one coming.
A few days ago I received some good news regarding a short story I'd written. Certain that he'd be happy for me, I called an old friend to share the details of my recent win. But to my surprise said friend was less than enthused by my call and instead proceeded to belittle my accomplishments. Rather than acknowledge that my hard work, minimal sleep and talent earned me my props, he instead attributed my victory to mere good luck. This supposed friend then continued to diminish my talents by suggesting that my writing was inferior in comparison to established artists/writers. Wow! Needless to say, I was shocked, especially since I'd taken him out to dinner only weeks earlier to celebrate his recent job promotion. I ended the conversation deeply hurt, unsure of our friendship and stung by his inexplicably negative vibes. Didn't see that one coming.
Still reeling I mentioned the incident to a neutral/unbiased associate later that evening. His advice: "Write down whatever is bothering you and then throw it away." In other words, acknowledge the problem and all the feelings that surround it, then let it go.
PERFECT!!!
Of course it isn't an all encompassing fool proof solution. But I tried it and surprisingly it does take the edge off. So the next time negativity threatens to dampen your spirits, send it straight to the dumps where it belongs and move on.
And thank you to the person who lent me an ear.
You know who you are.
Much love,
-V.D.
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6 comments (Share Yours!):
This may sound corny, I love "haters" (although I don't love that term!) but they are always are a reminder that I am doing something right. Congratulations and keep up the good work!!
That's messed up.
You took the friend out to dinner in support of a recent accomplishment, yet your good news was met with resistance.....
Friends aren't what they used to be, are they? I thinks not. I know of a few supposedly friends in my circle who pretty much do the same.
Haters.
Happy April Fools! Dropping by from SITS!
~Angela
Congratulations on your achievement, that is amazing.
Thanks for the great books you recommended on Reading with Tequila.
I think writing it down and throwing it out is a GREAT idea! Sorry he couldn't share your joy and celebrate with you as you did for him.
Stopping by from SITS
Good to see that you're able to "move on" quickly--the same thing happened to me, not too long ago. I was pretty shocked at first but I guess it's good, in the sense that you can see what people are really made of, lol.
I derive a certain amount of satisfaction from knowing that these naysayers/haters usually are the "all talk/no action" types too.
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