Today, when I sat down to write (I’m working on the sequel to my book), a rather unconstructive thought started bouncing around my brain. The kind that makes concentration impossible. So, what did I do? I changed venues, fully embraced the negativity, and tried to figure out why that one stubborn, unhelpful thought had taken center stage.
Years ago, I taught aerobics — yes, aerobics — the kick‑it‑higher‑or‑I‑will‑kick‑your‑butt kind. I taught at a big club, often with fifty or sixty people packed into one room. Most of them smiled at me, thanked me afterward, and came back the next night for more punishment. But without fail, there was always one person in the middle row who would snarl, roll their eyes, and later write a lengthy complaint about my music, my moves, my outfit… my everything.
And without fail, I would be devastated. I’d spend the entire week trying to make that one person happy.
Here’s what I eventually learned: the only criticism that really sticks is the kind that hits a nerve because it contains some sliver of truth. Not the whole truth — but enough to make you pause. Maybe my music wasn’t for everyone. Maybe my format wasn’t either. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t good at what I did.
Negative thoughts work the same way. They show up loudest when they’ve found a nerve. The trick is not to silence them, but to examine them. Take what’s useful, adjust if needed, and then move forward. Because most people are pretty OK. Most thoughts are, too — once you strip away the drama.
As for the person in the middle row, they never came back. They didn’t have to. They had other options. And there were plenty of other naysayers waiting to take their spot. That’s the beauty of being human: we get to choose what we read, what we believe, and which aerobics classes we attend.
BTW, “legwarmers” is one word : ) The beauty of our society is, we are free to choose what we read, what we believe, and what aerobics classes we attend; legwarmers or not.
Today’s post inspired by the WordPress daily prompt: What’s the best way to deal with negative thoughts? Cover image created with Jetpack AI.
If this spoke to you, be sure to “like” and share it over social with someone who’d appreciate the flavor …
DISCLAIMER: These are my personal experiences and opinions. Nothing here is medical, nutritional, or therapeutic advice. Also, I’m a writer and an editor. And I try my best to make sure every post is articulate and free from errors. However, being that I edit my own work—and it’s next to impossible to properly edit your own work—I admit, occasionally there may be an error or two I miss. But doing so doesn’t make me an idiot so don’t be mean. Just smile, pat yourself on the back for finding an error and be glad you’re not the only one who makes mistakes sometimes … xoxox
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