How awesome it is to hear the approval of the ones close to you? To hear their excitement in something that you have accomplished fuels your own eagerness to press on towards accomplishing that much more. Praise, you may say, encourages you to be more; to do more. You see, with praise, you are aware that someone sees you. You can acknowledge that somebody out there, whether near or far, has noticed your efforts and are thereby extending recognition of that to you. Praise may bring a smile to our faces, a celebration of what we’ve done, and nothing short of satisfaction to our hearts. Could it be possible that with each task we take on and every goal we accomplish we could exist more profoundly in the world through the essence of what praise truly is? Many of us are lucky enough to have those close to us that sit proudly in the corners of our lives extending praise as we accomplishment our life assignments. But is praise the basis of momentum that propels one to greatness?
Criticism, on the other hand, hovers over you like a dark cloud. A constant, daunting reminder of where you fall short and the inconsistencies in life that you possess, can bring a feeling of unworthiness upon you. The words of others, though constructive as they may be, don’t always land in the positive realm of our consciousness, often stifling our efforts to do more; to be more. Criticism, some may argue, is an aid to our efforts to exist wholly and completely in this life. By embracing the poignant words of others can motivate us to reach further and become who we have not been. This statement indeed holds validation but only if the words spoken by another can promote the personal growth of an individual, instead of seeking to tear down walls of hope in the spirit.
I challenge you to look at both praise and criticism closely. While one may reign in optimism, the other, some believe takes its root in the harsh reality of negativity. It is important to note that it is not the act or words of praise or criticism, but the limits that these words spoken by others places on one’s life. At various times in your life, it is good practice to reflect on your own circumstances. Whether a business venture, a relationship, or a specific choice you have made in your life, you should be will to evaluate your decision which may cause you to be critical of your own actions. The power in this is the realization of your own mistakes, digging deep enough to find your strength, then becoming motivated to move past it and do better. What about praise, you may be asking. Hearing praise from those who support you is powerful but praising yourself is empowering. When you praise yourself, you cease to wait for others to notice your talents and your gifts. You are your own cheerleader and that alone can be life changing.
I encourage you to critique your life choices while at the same time praising your accomplishments. As you find fault within yourself causing you to stumble; stop, evaluate how you got there being totally honest with yourself; then, pick up the pieces, make a new plan and move forward. Don’t allow people to dictate your being in this world or your ability to achieve greatness. As you move on to prosperity, acknowledge your success, live in it, celebrate the gifts in you, use them not only for the benefit of yourself, but for that others. Celebrate your own value and worth even amidst the downfalls in your life. Remember where you used to be and how much you’ve grown in the process of life. Praise your own efforts to start a new day with a new vision for your future.
Refuse to allow yourself to become ensnared in the criticism or praise of people. You may find yourself centering your life around the approval of others. You may limit your successes as you wait for someone to recognize your achievements. Your life is not their life and the visions and dreams you hold inside are not theirs. They have their own and you have yours. You must embrace your own passion for life without looking for others to validate you with praise or deter you with criticism. In life there will be people that will come along to discourage you with criticism but let that not be a reason to stray from the path that you are to travel. Life will also bring about circumstances and people that will enhance the quality of your life, helping you to grow tremendously. But it is allowing the spirit of God in you that induces the praise and silences the criticisms in your life that is at the helm of your destiny.
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