Be so busy being awesome you don’t have time for all the criticism

This blog post isn’t aimed at anyone or anything in particular, more at a one thing I’ve been noticing from lots of people recently. And that thing is criticism.

I know it’s ironic that I’m criticising people for criticising people but hear me out here because I feel like it’s everywhere and it’s totally unnecessary because, really, why does anyone give a shit about what anyone else is doing?

I’ve had this post sat in my drafts for a while now and it felt appropriate to post it today after the horrific news in Manchester. It makes you realise that life is short and life is precious. We should really just make the most of life, appreciate what we have, do what makes us happy and enjoy the time we have together. Let’s not criticise or put anyone down, accept that everyone is different and know there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to life your life.

Among the travel bloggers

I’ve read so many blog posts recently by bloggers criticising others for doing things differently. Some bloggers write too many listicles, some bloggers post too many photos and not enough information, some don’t interact with the locals enough when they travel, some spend too much money on posh hotels and not enough time eating street food and taking photos of homeless people.

And the biggest criticism of all – some bloggers look too pretty when they travel.

Shock horror. How dare they look pretty!

I’m not the type of traveller who gets dressed up while I travel. I tried to do this for a little while but it’s just way too much effort for my liking. But if someone else wants to wear nice clothes and do their make-up while they’re travelling then who am I to argue?

But, more importantly, why the hell would I care?

It appears that the bloggers who criticise the ‘pretty travellers of Instagram’ may actually be a little bit intimidated by people who are younger and more attractive than themselves? Hmm, harsh but just a thought.

But rather than bitching about someone who makes an effort with their appearance, why not take all that negative energy and put it into something positive? Put it into being the best damn blogger you can possibly be. Be creative and try new things and create content you’re so proud of you don’t need to feel threatened by some blogger in a pretty dress.

Among the travellers

One thing I really hate is when people criticise others for their travel style.

If someone likes to travel on a budget and manages to make their money go further then that’s awesome. It’s equally awesome if someone saves all their money and then splashes out on the most extravagant holiday you could imagine. I’m partial to both types of holiday and everything in between too.

There is no right or wrong way to travel and if we all wanted exactly the same thing then we’d have a problem. Travellers don’t fit into cookie cutter moulds because we’re all so different and want different things from our holidays.

As long as no one is being harmed then why does it matter if someone travels differently? Don’t sneer at someone for staying in a budget hostel and don’t criticise someone for spending a lot of money on a luxury hotel because, at the end of the day, they’re not spending your money so why does it matter?

Among the mums

I see it among the mums I hang out with too  – most of whom are gorgeous, amazing ladies who I love to spend time with – but you do get the odd one who loves a bit of bitchy criticism.

The conversations go a little like this:

“Oh em gee, have you seen that Lisa is weaning Tia? She’s not even 6 months old yet, can you believe it!?”

I have to remove myself from these conversations because I have nothing to say about whether or not Tia is eating mush or milk. As long as Tia and her mum and dad are both happy and healthy then why does anyone care what she’s being fed? I certainly don’t. I care about Tia’s wellbeing but not what she had for breakfast!

So there’s my rant of the week. Do you see any criticisms you don’t agree with?