Recently, I went on a lunch date with an old friend of mine. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, so of course, there was quite a bit of catching up to do. I showed her my social media and I wasn’t expecting the response I received. She had put down most of my photos and didn’t like at least 75% of the dresses I wore. She mocked me for wearing longer styles and said I looked like a missionary or a Mormon. (No offense at all to those who are, I’m only repeating what was said to show context of this conversation that took place.) Ironically, some of my dresses are, in fact, from Mormon clothing sites. She asked me why I didn’t show more skin and why I chose to be so covered up.
At first, I was taken a back, a little offended even. I knew it wasn’t coming from a bad place, she’s a brutally honest friend that speaks her mind and doesn’t hold back. We really do have different tastes. However, it did sting a little. Was she right? Was she seeing something everyone else did and I was blind to it? After a while of pondering on it, I realized that while putting myself out there, I need to take the criticism whether it be good or bad. If there was a time to develop thick skin, this was it. I’m not always going to get positive reactions and it’s through the negatives that I can learn and do better. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, some prefer coffee. Not everyone is going to love what you do or wear. It’s easy to hear the glowing compliments, but hard to listen to the negatives. What can I learn from this? How can I improve? Sometimes criticism just serves to build greater strength. If I think I’m on the right track and still feel passionate about the direction I’m headed, I’ll drown out that noise and keep going. Be your own cheerleader and your own biggest fan.
Take the criticism, learn, grow and use it to become your best possible self. Sure, you’re not going to please everyone. I had to remind myself that this is what I like, and doing what I love is the most important thing. If you feel passionate about something, no one is going to be able put those flames out. Listening to the negatives that others have to say will only drag you down. It did drag me down, but only momentarily. I got back up and adjusted my crown, as all queens should do.
- What I Wore:
- Black Heart Tee by Target
- Pink Ruffled Skirt by JW Style
- White Eyelet Dress by Momento
- Pink Polka Dot Dress by Tj Maxx
In a world full of pants, be a dress~ Jules
Dressedinjules 
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