Naysayers. They occasionally pop up in life. Some people are fortunate enough to avoid ever coming across them, but others...well. Negative folks have a tendency to gravitate towards success. Bad wants to bring good down. That's a known fact. And some people - even if they're the nicest person in the world - will unknowingly be a harbinger of frustration. Take this conversation I had recently: Lady: You're not available during the afternoons?
Me: No, I just can't get away. It's too hard.Lady: ...... Why?
Me: *facepalm*
It never fails to amaze me that no matter what I say, or what I do, people assume that those who work in the publishing industry have the most flexible schedules on the face of the planet, and furthermore, they don't have a "real" job, so we should spend all of our time volunteering and babysitting and grocery shopping.
Oh, right.Tell that to the thirteen hours of work I do every day.
But wait. Because my office happens to be in my house, I guess that means it's not a "real" job.
PLEASE.
This is just one of many examples of negativity. No one really means to be negative most of the time, but they are. Another example:
Lady: So what college are you going to?
Me: I'm actually working.Lady: Oh. So you're, what...taking a semester break to work at Starbucks? *looks disapprovingly at me*
Me: No. I'm working. I'm a writer.
Lady: But...so...you're not going to college?
Me: No. I am not.
Lady: Oh. *pause* So when are you going back?
Oh, the frustration.
I literally see people's brains short out for a moment when I announce that I'm doing something outside of the societal norm. A girl in her twenties not going to college?What's wrong with her?
Doesn't she know that she's doomed to failure?
Nope.
I happen to have an independent will, thank you very much.
My point is, we all have a different path, and when you find something that you really want to do, don't let anyone - whether they're being passively negative or purposely negative - deter you. I take the attitude of, "Judge me all you want. Think whatever you will. Say anything you wish. I will do what I want, and I will be happy doing it. And successful."
People who are negative either don't understand your drive, don't understand your approach, or they're simply being mean. Have complete confidence in your abilities. Let bad people blow away like a summer breeze.
They don't get it?Don't waste time caring. Be yourself. Do what makes you happy. Kick societal expectations to the curb.
If you can do this, your life will be richer, fuller and unbelievably successful.
Just saying.
