Criticism can be constructive or destructive. Constructive criticism is a helpful corrections, suggestions or advice given to someone. Constructive criticism promotes people by motivating them to do more in whatever they are doing. In other words, constructive criticism is result-oriented because it enhances your thinking ability and gives you more insights in a given task. Destructive criticism on the other hand, is a harsh and disparaging way of correcting someone. It is strong negative way of condemning people’s efforts and good intentions. Destructive criticism demoralizes. But, the realistic fact is that you can never be accepted by all. Someone somewhere must always see the reason why something should be done differently. With this understanding, I see criticism, be it constructive or destructive, as an instrument to sharpen someone to a right path in life. At times, without being criticized, you may not really know where you have gone wrong, how far you have achieved and what next to be done. Don’t get me wrong, I know it is not easy to try all you could to please someone and all you get at the end of the day is destructive or gratuitous criticism, abuse, condemnation or rejection. But, should you allow the person (little foxes) to spoil your joy and happiness for the rest of your life? There are things you need to do to guide yourself in the mist of external forces trying to turn your life miserable. Learn to applaud yourself and thumb up: Yes, learn to take a deep breath in and out in the mist of contrary scenario and tell yourself with a smile on your face “well done, babe.” You may not need to say it aloud at the moment but in your mind, tell yourself well done with a thumb up. Imagine you working all day long to accomplish a given task for your spouse, boss or in your team. But all you get at the end of the day is “this is rubbish.” When you are face to face with this negative outcome, tell yourself “Well done, Sweetheart.” Self-appreciation goes beyond your present situation because you have to take the responsibility to make yourself happy despite any circumstances around you. No one else can do it for you. You have to take the lead and do it. The happiness you have within you will radiate outside and conquer every contrary attitude around you. Remember, everyone is beautiful on earth. But the only ugly person is the one who do not appreciate and love his/herself. Appreciating yourself is to love the self in you. If you do not appreciate yourself, you may never know how to appreciate others. Learning to applaud yourself put you on edge above your situation and negative people. It makes you a victor and a survivor instead of being a victim. It gives you clarity of what to do next. I want believe that the greatest love is when you are able to love yourself – then it will enable you to love others.