Verbal Assassin

by Brad Graber

Have you ever wondered what it might take to completely destroy your self-confidence? An unkind word? A nasty look? A physical interaction? Or just a stray comment made lightly – without much thought – by a stranger?

Ouch!

It could be a parent, a teacher, or even a friend. At least those people know you – and even if they say something mean-spirited, you might make allowances. Perhaps you stopped listening to them long ago. After years of therapy, you’ve learned to tune them out.

But a stranger is different. They have nothing vested in you. They don’t even know who you are. And yet, sometimes we give them the power to crush our dreams. Oh, did I say “our dreams”? Okay – I meant my dreams.

What did you say?

These are the people I refer to as “verbal assassins.” People who are eager to step on a writer’s dreams. People who say things like:

“You’ll never make any money.”

“What’s the point? You’re too old.”

“That sounds like an interesting hobby.”

And though they might be speaking a truth for themselves, for you, it’s as if someone just shot an arrow directly into your heart. After all, what’s the point of continuing? You’re just wasting your time.

What’s the point indeed!

It’s important that we don’t step on each others’ dreams! And even if it might be the longest shot in hell – as long as you’re alive, and willing to keep pushing along – who’s to say that you won’t be a rousing success?

No one but you has the power to limit who you should be. So the next time that verbal assassin innocently spouts off – remember, they are reflecting the story of their life, not yours. The last thing you should do is take it as a comment on your opportunity or future success.

__________________

Brad Graber was born and raised in New York City. He obtained a B.A. in Biology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and an M.H.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, Miss. Brad is formerly a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Certified Medical Executive through Medical Group Management Association. He no longer works in healthcare, though he does actively volunteer with local nonprofits. The Intersect is Brad’s first novel and will be released on Amazon in August 2016. You can reach Brad at Jefbra@sbcglobal.net or bradgraber.com.