Keep Going High

No matter how much good you do for society, how many hands you grab as you are soaring, someone is going to try you! They will slander your name, belittle you and try to minimize and delude your accomplishments. Many call them haters, but I would respectfully beg to differ. Most of those who try to take you down in any way are actually envious. They wish they were walking in your shoes, or some that are very similar. My term for these individuals is "Admirers in Disguise." They like what they see, but are too troubled by their own shortcomings or negative feelings to admit it to themselves or others.

The words and actions they use in an attempt to belittle you derives from their own insecurities. They have likely formed the habit of comparing themselves to others, and feel as though they are not measuring up. I know this kind of person very well. In fact, her type of flesh used to lie under my skin. The grips of low self-esteem thrived deep within me. My continual and nagging self-doubt and low self-value caused me to sometimes loathe other's accomplishments. However, finally, self-awareness, which is the first step to the halt of negative thinking, became my dearest and closet friend.

It took some time for me to get there, but through the example of others, mentoring, and coaching, I got the message clearly. I could too accomplish amazing things. If I was willing to do the work, I could learn to cover my mind and internal soul with light, hope and a fresh perspective. That was not all, though. I also had to understand that others may never choose to make the same mind shift, and would treat me the way I treated others when I did not love nor value myself.

Yes, unfortunately, some will never come to that comprehension. They will keep projecting their insecurities on others and send negativity out into the world. What you must come to understand, under these circumstances, is that nothing they do is under your control. However, how you respond is absolutely up to you.

Some choose to respond to the harsh words and actions of the "Admirers in Disguise" with a vengeance, wasting time and energy arguing with someone who will never get it. Do not be that person. In the words of Michelle Obama, go high when they go low. Your precious minutes, vigor and focus should be dedicated to something worthy. Disarm the negativity by not continually responding to it. Do not allow the defeatist words or actions to become a distraction, or a tangled mess in your head.