When’s the last time you criticized something or someone?
What about the last time you advocated for someone or something?
Hear more about both, and one of my favorite quotes…
You’re listening to the Love Tidbits Podcast, where you’ll discover a small, tasty, delightful, bite-sized tidbit of love ~ I’m your host, LeAnn Austin
Hey y’all, thanks so much for leaving reviews. Aly writes, “really look forward to these podcasts each week. They are thought-provoking and insightful. LeAnn always shares small and simple tips to improve yourself and your relationships.” Thank you Aly, so appreciate y’all leaving reviews, because this is what helps others hear tidbits of love. Onto the podcast.
Welcome to Love Tidbits, episode #59: Advocate versus Criticize
We frequently hear a lot of advocating and criticism with anything related to politics, religion, and a myriad of other things.
I stopped watching the news a couple years ago, so I don’t hear as much as I used to, but I do find it fascinating to hear people advocating and criticizing various things. We all have different perspectives, and I’m so grateful that most of us have the freedom and agency to advocate or criticize.
To break this down a little more, let me share some definitions.
To advocate is to publicly recommend or support a particular cause or policy.
To criticize is to indicate the faults of someone or something in a disapproving way.
I remember back when my boys were little and in elementary school. I was talking to Jeff about how over the top I thought some of their classroom parties were. Criticizing the amount of money and time I thought was wasted on a couple of these events. The interesting thing was, I was not volunteering to help. I was not advocating for what I thought would be more useful in these classroom settings. I was just whining to Jeff about them, which wasn’t helping anything.
I love the thought I heard a while back: advocate from the inside rather than criticize from the outside. I think about this a lot. If I’m not willing to be a part of something and advocate for change, then me criticizing from the outside is not very useful.
You may have noticed this in yourself or in others doing the same thing. Expressing disapproval of someone or something, rather than getting involved and helping to implement an idea, a suggestion, or a better way to do something.
Now, I’m not saying we need to get involved in everything, but I do think it’s helpful to notice when we are criticizing something or someone. What’s that about? Why aren’t we willing to get in and advocate for what we believe in, and instead stand back and criticize.
I appreciate this quote from Dale Carnegie. “Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn – and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.” Now, I’d add to this, it also takes love for ourselves and the people around us, to advocate for what we believe in.
So the next time you notice yourself criticizing from the outside, ask yourself if there’s a way you could be a part, you could get involved, and you could advocate from the inside to make the changes you and probably others would appreciate as well.
Advocate from the inside, rather than criticize from the outside. Hmmm, something to think about.
Have a good one y’all, and here’s to advocating and love.
If you’re enjoying this podcast, please share and leave a review to help others hear tidbits of love.
What would it feel like to finish your goals, enjoy your relationships, especially with your daughter-in-law, appreciate your body, and embrace being you? Join my Lovin Me program today, and see yourself in a whole new way.
You’re already really good at loving others, I’ll help you become an expert at loving you. More information at leannaustin.com
