Sunday Morning Reflections: If You Can't Say Something Nice...

Going through my notifications on Facebook this morning I had somebody comment on a post. One person felt it necessary to write, "Unfollowed." I smiled, shook my head, mentioned it to Molly the Wonder Dog and started writing this post. I couldn't help but think about one of those early lessons many of us got as kids, "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all!"

I started this blog to build content to help photographers build a stronger business. After almost five years there are thousands of original and guest posts all related to some aspect of building a photography business.  There are also posts about products, applications and companies I believe in - not because of what they do, make or might be SCU partners, but because I personally know the people involved. I know if I suggest you guys check them out, you're not going to be disappointed.

It's just a blog - it's not meant to be the hub of the social media universe, and if you don't like something I've written that's fine. I've learned too many times; you can't please everybody.

What I don't get are people who think they need to make a point that's negative, when it's purely their opinion. I see it all the time in critiques. I'm not saying you need to sugar-coat everything that's not positive, but if you're taking the time to put your name out there, why not be constructive in the process?

 Here's a more creative way to make my point.

Yesterday afternoon I headed over to Nokomis Beach. I wanted to check out the impact of the storm and get a few photographs. I took two cameras with me, an FZ300 and a GH4 with the 100-300mm zoom.

As I walked onto the beach, the first thing that hit me was the shredded red warning flag on the lifeguard stand. I love the ocean and playing in the waves, but when the red flag is up, and there are riptide warnings everywhere, it's sound advice to stay out of the water.

Down the beach was the second thing I noticed. Well beyond a reasonable distance from the lifeguard, at least 300 yards were two teenagers swimming in the surf! That little black spot in the image above is one of them. The ocean was violent enough that I stopped shooting. It wasn't fun wondering if I was about to witness a weekend drowning.

So, here's the point. Wouldn't it be nice if a red flag went up warning us of toxic people? Or maybe it should just be a detour sign so that we can go around them.  I shared a quote last week that's going to become one of my favorites:

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"It's so nice when toxic people stop talking to you.
It's like the trash took out itself!"
Anon

Wishing all of you a wonderful Sunday. Prayers for everyone in the worst part of the storm. Most important of all, wishing you a day of no toxicity, peace, and lots of love from the people in your life meaningful to you. Take the time for those long hugs and give yourself a big pat on the back for taking the time to remember what's most important in your life.

Happy Sunday!