Criticism

Constructive,rude, hurtful... helpful? When talking about criticism, when is enough, enough?

We all wonder what others think about us, or about our work, or even about our new shoes. However, where is the line that shouldn't be crossed when it comes to telling others what you think? Some people seem to believe that there isn't a line at all. That tongues should never be held, that critical remarks should be released at will, regardless of how it may affect others. Is this really the society we've raised? A society where it's perfectly acceptable to be as rude as you want without a second thought at what distress or hurt it may cause? I'd hate to think so. Do unto to others as you want them to do unto you, right? No one ever really asks to be criticized. It's not something that people are fond of receiving. So why do they feel the need to force it upon others? Our society has become a world of constant personal gain. We put others down in an attempt to get ahead ourselves. It's as if by calling someone else ugly, it makes us more appealing. Or by talking bad about a fellow employee, one is suddenly a better person for the job. Criticizing or putting down another won't make you better , it'll just make you seem like an asshole. Insecurities in our own lives force us to make others feel insecure as well. We've all been the "bully on the playground" at one time or another. Most hide behind they're hurtful words by pretending that they do it for the better good. As if by telling another how awful they are, they're actually really helping them. In all honesty, it makes things worse. If you're not saying anything helpful, then keep your mouth shut and everyone will be better off.
Especially if they didn't ask for it.

Beginning

The hardest part of anything is the start. It's not always easy to begin something regardless if it is a new job, a new relationship, a new project or something as simple as a new blog. Everything has a beginning and that beginning sets the tone for the entire situation. Screw it up and you're pretty much doomed. That's one hole it'll be difficult to dig yourself out of. The start holds so much promise. Well, usually. I suppose if you're starting your prison sentence or 300+ hours of community service, there's very little promise there, but hey, at least you're one step closer to getting done with it.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that it takes a lot to begin. Tasks seem so daunting before you actually dig in, relationships seem unsettling and unstable, jobs seem too new and peculiar. But once you get past that step, everything is a bit better off. Maybe not less complicated, or less time consuming, but at least you took the initiative. It's so simple to quit things, but not near as easy to begin them.

So let's begin, shall we? Or perhaps we already have. I began this blog, and a few minutes ago (or seconds, depending on how fast you read), you began reading it.

Feel free to continue.