TO CRITICIZE OR NOT

It is time for Five Minute Friday, and the word for this week is criticize. When we do the five-minute writing, we are supposed to just write and not worry about editing. But I always find myself editing, because I want to try to make sure it sounds coherent. So here's my offering with a little bit of editing:

Criticize is a word many of us don't like to hear because of its uncomfortable connotations. Maybe someone has criticized you a lot, with much of it unwarranted. Or maybe you have been the one to offer unsolicited criticism.

But we don't have to criticize in a way that brings someone down.

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

Sometimes, we want constructive criticism because we've written a piece, have some music to share, or have authored a book. We've put a lot of work into these projects, so when someone criticizes, we might take it personally at first and be hurt by it.

Yet, we do want to improve, don't we? So, wouldn't it be better to listen with an open mind instead of letting it get to us?

CRITICIZE LOVINGLY

Of course, sometimes people criticize to tear others down, which is never a good thing.

So next time we start to criticize, maybe we could stop and think about it first. We could ask ourselves some questions, like: Is this person ready to hear this? Did they ask me to criticize their work? How would I respond if I were the one being criticized?

If we criticize in order to help another, we can find a way to do it lovingly, not to tear down, but to encourage and build up.

My time is up. I am sure there is more to say, and it could be said more eloquently, but this gives us something to think about. 

I'm linking up with: #FiveMinuteFriday