Snapshots and Snippets

I was recently quoted in a professional report and just like happens to many of you, my words were taken out of context and very selectively and purposely twisted.  It's always stunning to see how devious someone can be when they are trying to portray a parent in a negative light or discredit me as a professional.  I would never attack a colleague like that.  It's so unbecoming and unprofessional to do so that it would never even cross my mind to make a professional out to look incompetent.  Anyone who does that shows that they are insecure.  That is another reason I wouldn't do it.  I will admit, I was shocked to read this person's opinion of me, but guess what?  I don't care.  The way I look at it, that person must feel threatened or inferior.  I am confident with the work I do and I will keep doing it.

As I said, I know that for many of you, this has happened to you, as well.  I encourage you to shrug it off.  Actions speak louder than words on a page.  Words can hurt and do harm, but you do not have to take on labels that anyone places on you.  When someone takes a snippet or a snapshot when you weren't at your best or without having the big picture, therefore taking things out of context, that is all it is, a snippet of you, a snippet of your life and a snapshot of a situation.  We all have moments where we falter.  No one is perfect including the person who wrote the report I'm referencing.   I will forgive that person because they look the most foolish in all of it.  The people who matter the most know that the writer did not know everything that was taking place behind the scenes.  If something similar happens to you, take time to review what is said or written, take a step back, think, and review your actions.  If you need to make changes, take steps to correct the things that could be done better.  If you are confident in the way you've responded to difficult situations, then hold your head high and keep on keeping on.  Do not let a snippet or snapshot define the entirety of your identity, your life or your life's work.