This job can sometimes be a difficult one, and just like many career paths, it can make you doubt your perseverance and “stick-to-itiveness,” as my dad likes to often say.  

As I have mentioned before in conversations and the occasional column, my early days here at the newspaper were perilous to say the least. Frankly, it took nearly two years to get settled in a new city and get my feet under me and feel I was really doing the job justice.  

Some days I feel like I’m back in 2017, failing and flailing at everything I try to do and accomplish.  

Thankfully those days are few and far between, and more often than not, they are rooted in unkind and untrue words that, for some reason, my mind latches on to and plays on repeat.  

“You’re not doing a good job.”  

“You’re failing.”  

“People expect better from you.”  

“You made a mistake in that story.”  

Have you ever wondered why we have a tendency to focus more on those negative words, comments and complaint-laced phone calls that come once in a blue moon? When the truth is, the past year has been filled with some of the most humbling conversations with friends and even strangers in this community who are incredibly grateful, appreciative and thankful for the work we are doing here.  

The magazine continues to get the best compliments every single time it is published, and when a timely article shares the story of something positive happening in our community, I often hear great feedback about it.  

What I’m going to try to do is practice a little Cognitive Behavorial Therapy – after all, you are what you think. Instead of listening to the negative, I’m going to focus on what I hear so much more than the noise that wants to ruin my day and attitude.  

“Thank you so much for being here!”  

“You do such a great job – I appreciate you.”  

“I think that magazine is one of the best things to ever happen to Hartselle.”  

“Thank you for all you do to make Hartselle a better place!”  

I’m so thankful for every single word of encouragement, especially when the negative comments are in your inbox or call you at the office. If you have been one of those constant sources of positivity for me, I appreciate you and want you to know that you’re one of the reasons I continue to work diligently at this job – not for the praise but to continue to make the encouragers in our community proud of our newspaper and magazine.  

Thank you again – and as a gentle reminder to those who need it, it costs $0 to be kind.