Throughout life, some people will be kind enough to provide us with negative feedback on matters that are sensitive to us.
At times, it will feel unfair or unjustified. Either because of the way the feedback was given. Or because it relates to our sense of identity. But we can learn to see feedback as an opportunity for growth and reflection.
a) Take negative feedback as a warm hug. A gift you can use to grow.
b) Next time someone gives you feedback, resist the urge to defend yourself. Listen attentively. Thank the other person for giving you their time and mental space.

Take feedback as a gift

We can choose to be surrounded by people who inspire us. People who bring out the best in us. People who make us better every day, just because of their presence.
If there's someone out there who is like the kind of person we want to be, we can choose to engage them. Captivate them.
The people we spend time with are our future. — The things we eat. The thoughts we have. The beliefs we develop. The goals we define. Everything's shaped in a way or another by their presence.
Who are you choosing?

A choice

Most people you interact with will show you some kind of support if given the opportunity. And although support is nice, you need to learn how to create a filter. Words are nice but they're easy. Most people say nice things because they want us to like them or because that's their default.
Accepting criticism and a certain kind of inquisitiveness can be hard. It can feel like a personal attack or lack of belief in our capabilities. And it hurts when it comes from the people we love the most. But that's often what we need to grow.
Build the habit of reflecting on why people say what they say. What are they trying to achieve?
a) Hold on to people who give you a hard time. It often means they care so much that they are willing to make you deslike them a little.
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I'm so grateful to have family and friends that challange me. Thank you dearest Sarah, Dad, Paty, Amin and Joni for caring. I cheerish you and I hope I can provide you healthy discomfort throughout our lives.

Pats in the back

As we go through life, we find ourselves in different places. Different chapters. Weeks, months and years go by. Work gets in the way. We get busy and without meaning to, relationships that used to be everything fade away.
We may tell ourselves a different story. Like how real friendships last forever. However, friendships have to be earned. If we really care about them, we have to put in the effort.
One thing we can do is to schedule time to be with the people we care about.
Even though it may feel unnatural, setting time in advance ensures we get to spend quality time with the people who are important. No matter how much work we have in our hands.

Make time

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Take feedback as a gift

A choice

Pats in the back