How do we handle criticism

How do we handle criticism? If someone criticizes you, what would be your reaction? Retaliation? Or stick to the "take-it-easy" policy and ignore it completely? Or harbor hatred towards that person?

Criticism isn't very uncommon. We are always quick to find faults. But do we ever think before we utter something that might hurt the feelings of others? People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. It is very easy to criticize others but it is very hard to face one.

And on the other hand, "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly." ' Theodore Roosevelt.

So let's not get discouraged by others' remarks. Practice makes man perfect in any field he chooses to develop his skills. Never feel dejected or depressed. Every person is unique in this world and each has an unmatched skill or talent. Try exploiting those actual, latent and potential abilities. Show yourself to the world what you actually are and how good you can make things. Be yourself and be positive and make the most of what life has to offer. Make use of every moment. Time is more precious than anything else in this world.

When people criticize your work, feel blessed that your work is being scrutinized by others for free. Value what they say and take what you think is right. If your heart pronounces it to be something worth taking then accept it and mend your ways accordingly. Nothing in this world happens without any reason. God has set time for everything and things will unfold the way they are supposed to as planned by Him. And believe that things happen for our own good. Happiness tastes better only when one endures difficulties. The sweetness of success can be savored well only by the one who has known the bitter sting of failure. True strength lies in not giving up.

"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail." ' Ralph Waldo Emerson