I got goosebumps while reading this article. Vernon hit the proverbial nail squarely on its head. Many years ago, I ran for election to my town's council. It opened me and my family up to the most vicious and vile insults I have ever had hurled at me. It was indeed an exercise in discipline for me not to internalize some of those insults. Fortunately, I am a positive person to start with so the negativity was eventually dispelled, but I shudder to think about the struggle of a person who already hears negative internal dialog would have to do to overcome negative external accusations and insults.
So sorry to hear about your experience Brian, but glad that you had the mental discipline not to internalize such vitriol. For what it's worth, I think you would have made an excellent town councillor.
Brian: I appreciate your choice of words when you say it was "an exercise in discipline" not to internalize all the negativity. It captures the article's message in a powerful and helpful way, all the more because you note this was necessary even though you're a positive person.
Vernon: I love the ground this piece covered, and the thoughtful, well-rounded way it was covered. I suspect your talks and workshops tend to be well-received and very productive, as your message comes across with a non-judgmental, inviting attitude that conveys a sense of hope and possibility — precisely what's needed for someone to be willing to make the push to explore new behaviours.
I got goosebumps while reading this article. Vernon hit the proverbial nail squarely on its head. Many years ago, I ran for election to my town's council. It opened me and my family up to the most vicious and vile insults I have ever had hurled at me. It was indeed an exercise in discipline for me not to internalize some of those insults. Fortunately, I am a positive person to start with so the negativity was eventually dispelled, but I shudder to think about the struggle of a person who already hears negative internal dialog would have to do to overcome negative external accusations and insults.
So sorry to hear about your experience Brian, but glad that you had the mental discipline not to internalize such vitriol. For what it's worth, I think you would have made an excellent town councillor.
Brian: I appreciate your choice of words when you say it was "an exercise in discipline" not to internalize all the negativity. It captures the article's message in a powerful and helpful way, all the more because you note this was necessary even though you're a positive person.
Vernon: I love the ground this piece covered, and the thoughtful, well-rounded way it was covered. I suspect your talks and workshops tend to be well-received and very productive, as your message comes across with a non-judgmental, inviting attitude that conveys a sense of hope and possibility — precisely what's needed for someone to be willing to make the push to explore new behaviours.