Opinions in many ways are a dime a dozen. Everyone has one, and often it says more about them than it does us. As such, it can be helpful to hold them loosely when we seek to bring our unique strength into the world. Our gifts are not for everyone. And there’s much wisdom in treating unfounded criticisms like water on a duck’s back.
To be sure, we should readily accept feedback from our trusted others. We don’t know everything and we need those who have our backs – willing to point out our blind spots and tell us hard truths as often as needed. It’s pride that causes us to reject all feedback.
At the same time, not everyone has the right or privilege to speak into our lives. And we take these opinions with several grains of salt, as there still might be constructive criticism to learn from. But it’s best to let it go when these criticisms are baseless and simply one’s personal opinions.
While God has given us each unique abilities to bring more life and goodness into the world, this doesn’t mean our gifts are for everyone. And this is often what people are communicating when they criticize our efforts. It would be a mistake then to try to conform to their expectations, as there would be no end to trying to appease everyone and eventually we would lose our unique spark.
It’s best in these moments to simply let their words go and not take them to heart. Of course, we’re human and it never feels good when someone doesn’t like us. But we shortchange our impact when we try to make everyone happy.
In the end, humbly accept the feedback and criticism from your trusted others. But let it be like water off a duck’s back when it comes from the trolls of life.
