Written by: Tom Sawyer

What is it with critics who have nothing better to do than pass judgment on how something is done? Of course, this “expert” opinion is given from the sidelines – those critics talk a big game but are never willing to truly get in the game.

On the other hand there are critics who either give opinion based on what they have done or are doing. I think this group adds value however harsh it may be and hard to accept. This is really expert opinion – without the sarcasm.

What I’ve learned (again) recently is the world is full of people willing to tell someone how to do something, but people who are willing to get involved, wholeheartedly involved, are few and far between.

I chalk it up to fear for the most part. Like starting a new job, quitting a secure job (a job you don’t like) or meeting new people.  Some individuals are just afraid to really put themselves out there and try something new so they have to sound off when someone else does.

Damned If You Do

No matter what I do, I’m wrong.  Have you ever thought that about yourself?  If you have had some of those days, you aren’t alone, although some would make you believe life is a bowl of cherries – not the case at all.  Right now, I’m feeling like things are coming at me from too many directions and I’m trying to dodge some bullets – figuratively of course.  Not too good, but this too will pass.  Please don’t get me wrong and think I’m only referring to 7daybuzz because that is not the case.

It is almost that “crabs in the barrel” mentality where when you try to get out the other crabs just try to pull you back down in the barrel with them.  Instead, they could just say, “He did it this way and I’m going to try that.”  Or, more importantly, they could just say congratulations or leave a positive word.  I also associate it with someone criticizing you of “wasting” your money playing the lottery, but would be the first one to help you spend it.  Uh, no thanks.

“Back then you didn’t want me, now I’m hot you’re all up on me” Mike Jones

You’re this, you’re that, we should do this, we shouldn’t do that, why did you do that, you only did this because of that.  Hold on!  The last time I checked, I’m just one man and this is a free country.  If someone doesn’t like how you do something, they have ample opportunity to give it a try.  Of course, I’m still talking about those people on the sidelines.

Damned if I do.

Damned If I Don’t

One life, that’s all we have.  We have one shot to make things happen, whatever those “things” may be and if we don’t follow our hearts and do what it is we want to do the one thing we are almost certainly going to gain is regret.  We have already determined trying to make everyone else happy is fruitless because everyone will never be happy about everything.  We have to try what it is we want to try – by the rules (legally and within reason) we set for ourselves regardless of what someone else thinks we should do.  Why listen to a coward?

Damned If I Don’t

When I first started this blog, Tyna from Dreamcatcher was a positive influence on me.  I would ask some rookie questions and she would tell me, “You can do it” or “Good job.”  Some things she talks about on her site aren’t just applicable to blogging – that would be so narrow-minded and she is anything but that.  Tyna posts some lists that are good for life.  That is the expert opinion I’m going to listen to.

I have a friend Sam who used to kick my butt – figuratively – all the time.  But he could put into practice what he was telling me to do and over time I’ve become appreciative of that.  Expert criticism.

My last example happened last year when I was looking for a car.  I looked at several cars and had this one particular car that I was in love with.  Right before making my decision, I went to test drive another car, primarily because it was cheaper while supposedly offering just as much.  During the test drive my wife told me to get the other car because she knew where my heart was.  She knew the other car would be a cheaper price, but without as much satisfaction.  She knew how I would feel if I didn’t get the car I really wanted – damned if you don’t.

Our one and only journey should be as enjoyable as possible.  You can do what I did and try your best to absorb so many points of view before deciding the direction your journey will take you.  Once the decision is made, do what I plan on doing: go for it.

I’ve listened.  I’ve made my decision.  Welcome to the new Buzz!

Tags: critics

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 at 12:01 am and is filed under Random Buzz. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.