A Path to Growth:

Turning Criticism into Your Catalyst for Success

Aristotle once wisely said, "There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing." This message is for all the "people pleasers" out there, coming from someone who used to be one too.

If you've been pouring all your energy into trying to make everyone happy and eliminate any hint of negative feedback, I have some news for you—it's a futile endeavor.

The truth is, people will criticize you. They'll critique your actions, your words, and even your very essence. And that's perfectly fine. They have that right, although most of the time, their criticism reflects more about them than it does about you.

You hold the power to decide whether you want to heed their criticism and take it to heart. You don't have to accept every thought or word as an undeniable truth.

Here's what I've come to understand: the more you do, say, and become, the more likely you are to encounter criticism. Can you be okay with that? Because the alternative is stagnation—remaining in one place, staying silent, and making no progress.

What if you reframed criticism as a sign of your growth, change, and progress? Perhaps criticism is an indicator that you're being brave, bold, and shining brightly in the world.

Think about that for a moment.🤔

"I welcome criticism as a stepping stone to my growth and success, knowing that it strengthens my resolve and fuels my journey towards greatness."

DAILY AFFIRMATION

Need To Know

Lee Moves Toward the Caribbean

Tropical Storm Lee became the fourth hurricane of the year yesterday, strengthening into a Category 4 storm as it moved across the open Atlantic Ocean near the northeast Caribbean. Forecasts suggest it may continue to intensify, likely reaching Category 5 status today, with winds above 160 mph. Whether (or where) the system will make landfall remains unclear.

NFL Kicks Off

The 2022-23 NFL season kicked off last night with the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs falling to the Detroit Lions in an upset, 21-20. Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for two touchdowns and 226 yards, but also tossed a pivotal interception that was returned for a touchdown in the third quarter. The Chiefs had enter the season as the favorites to win Super Bowl LVIII, with Mahomes favored to be named MVP.

Politics & World Affairs

> India to host annual G20 summit this weekend, marking the first time it will be held in South Asia; President Joe Biden to attend, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping to send delegates (More)

> Four former Navy officers allegedly involved in long-running bribery scandal have their convictions vacated due to prosecutorial misconduct (More) |

> Former Donald Trump adviser Peter Navarro found guilty on two charges of contempt of Congress for failing to respond to a subpoena from the Jan. 6 committee last year; sentencing yet to be held, each count carries a maximum of one year in prison (More)

In The Know

Sports, Entertainment, & Culture

> American teenage tennis prodigy Coco Gauff advances to women's US Open finals; see results here (More)

> "That '70s Show" actor Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty on two charges of forcible rape (More)

Bruce Springsteen postpones all September shows due to health condition (More)

Science & Technology

> Scientists grow human-like kidneys inside pigs; researchers grew embryos using a mix of modified human and pig stem cells; organs are described as "50% human" (More)

> Researchers develop tiny devices that can be implanted directly into brain and spinal cord tumors to provide localized delivery of up to 20 cancer-fighting drugs at once (More)

Business & Markets

> US stock markets close mixed (S&P 500 -0.3%, Dow +0.2%, Nasdaq -0.9%); Nasdaq closes down for fourth consecutive session (More)

> Ryan Salame, a former executive of bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX, pleads guilty to criminal charges, agrees to forfeit $1.5B (More)

> Apple shares fall 3% after reports Chinese government may ban workers from using iPhones (More)

"When you start a new trail equipped with courage, strength, and conviction, the only thing that can stop you is you."

- Ruby Bridges

TOP STORY

Abortions in the US

The Story

Abortions across the country are on the rise.

Explain.

Yesterday, a new study found that there was about a 10% increase in abortions in the first six months of 2023 compared to the first half of 2020. The report by a pro-abortion rights group also found that there were about 511,000 abortions across 36 states this year — up 46,000 in three years. The sharpest increase was in states that bordered those with abortion bans (like Colorado, Illinois, and South Carolina).

Why is that happening?

Abortion had already been on the rise for years. For the states that saw a larger increase, it could be because of travel from states where abortion was banned. It could also be because of great economic growth and telehealth access. The data involves estimates and there may be inaccuracies. Experts say it may take years to get a fuller picture.

Since SCOTUS reversed Roe v. Wade, 22 states have enacted bans and several more have severely restricted access, impacting about 25 million women of childbearing age. Now, this study shows that many of these women are still finding ways to have abortions — including traveling across state lines.

Bet you didn’t know…..

What actually goes on while we’re lying there asleep? Why are we designed to do nothing for a third of our lifetimes?

The 2023 Bird Photographer of the Year contest received more than 23,000 entries, but the judges somehow narrowed it down to just a handful of winners, who were announced earlier this week. “Celebrating bird life from around the world, these images comprise some of the most incredible bird photos in the world taken by talented photographers, whilst also raising vital funds for our partner charity Birds on the Brink,” the competition, now in its eighth year, shared. The top prize went to Jack Zhi for his shot of a falcon and a brown pelican, titled “Grab the Bull by the Horns.” Check out his photo and the rest of the winners here.

Post of the Day

This is the definition of dedication! Everyone deserves someone in their life who will wait in line all night for them — we urge you to say thank you to that person today, for any reason or even no reason at all.

What is a Hygge Lifestyle?

Instead of living your life on autopilot, hygge is a way of life that makes sure you live your life in a way that brings deep contentment to your soul.

31 Fall Hygge Traditions and Activities THE BEST IDEAS!

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