DIARY SUKA-SUKA

Travel is the simple chance of reinventing ourselves at new places where we are nobody but a stranger. Travel is the discovery of what and who we miss the most. Travel is the same pair of jeans for a week and different experiences every day. Travel is finding new things and new people to miss. Travel is discovering the part of yourself that you never knew existed before. Travel is that one song in your iPod that will forever remind you of that one sexy afternoon somewhere. Travel is the discovery of who misses us the most. Travel is answering the question ‘business or pleasure’ without blinking. Travel is deciding who will be the last call before you take off and the first call after you landed. Travel is a test of your physical and emotional tolerance. Travel is a one hour conversation that could lead to a lifelong friendship. Travel is that one boarding pass you keep in your wallet to remind yourself one day when you’re gray and old that you were once cool. Travel is waking up in a strange bed and feeling home and waking up in your own bed one day and feeling like a stranger. It’s learning not to take every second for granted. Travel is learning that the journey is as memorable as the destination. Travel is discovering that random act of kindness does exist. Travel is learning to communicate with just a smile. Travel is not wanting to sleep because for once reality is more interesting than your dream. Travel is not being afraid to fall in love with a complete stranger. Travel is where broken English is welcomed with a wide smile instead of greeted by a grammar nazi. Travel is where people that you talk to really try to understand what you’re trying to say. Travel is finding out more reasons to write. And more reasons to live. Travel, sometimes, is the rediscovery of our nationalism. Travel is that one stranger across the street you will always wonder if he/she is your soul mate. Travel is wearing those clothes you couldn’t wear back home. Travel is realizing the things you cannot live without. Travel is realizing that maybe you know nothing. Travel is wearing a stranger’s jacket and feeling home. Travel is meeting you.

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How to cope with rejection and unconstructive criticism

Writing and publishing your book means facing a harsh reality of being a writer: Your work isn’t for everyone. There will be people who love you and are over-the-top enthusiastic about your book. Then there will be the haters, who don’t like you or your writing (assuming they’ve even read your book) no matter what you do. They might post negative (or even false) reviews and comments online, stir up drama and even try to ruin your writing career. So what do you do? You learn to live with them.

“If you have no critics, you’ll likely have no success.”  — Malcolm X

1. Understand the ‘why.’

Much of the criticism from haters has nothing to do with hating you. For whatever reason, on the Internet, negative people seem more inclined to comment than those who are positive. So while a handful of rude comments can make you feel like the world hates your book, don’t be discouraged – it’s likely just a few, albeit loud group of people.

“I shake it off. Reading is really about the interpretation of the reader and not so much about the writer.” — author Don Feeney

2. Don’t take it personal.

Just because people didn’t like your book doesn’t mean they don’t like you as a person. Appreciate that they took the time to read your book and leave a review. Use the feedback to better understand a reader’s perspective.

“Take it as constructive criticism. It’ll only make you a better writer!” — author Katorry F. Tyler

3. Don’t be defensive.

If you choose to respond to the haters, then do so with kindness. This may surprise them and even convert them to a fan. Sincerity lets them know you care, which is what many people are really seeking. If niceness doesn’t work, then politely withdraw from the drama they are trying to initiate.

4. Move forward.

If you focus on the criticism and negativity, your creativity might get blocked by anger and self-doubt , which will distract you from your goals. When the haters attack, use that as a reminder to recommit to your work and focus on the path ahead of you. Don’t let the rude comments keep you from writing and talking about your book. Instead, let them give you the motivation to keep going.

5. Stay true to you.

Reviews can give you valuable feedback, but if they are not politely helping you realize and amend something you did wrong, ignore them. Don’t write for the critics, write for you. Do what you need to do for yourself and your career because people are going to criticize you no matter what you do.

“I love comments … shows the book is being read!” — author Juliana Vilke

Don’t let haters steal your joy.

You can worry and obsess over the criticism or you can move on and do what you love to do.

The election of Donald Trump has been met with a mix of caution and fear from minorities in our communities—with good reason. The normalization of xenophobic rhetoric coincided with an increase in hate crimes, bullying, and violence. This week’s Issue Time is led by three people whose organizations work to counter xenophobia and bring people closer together:

Riham Osman is the Digital Media & Communications Strategist at the Muslim Public Affairs Council’s (MPAC). Riham works to protect the civil rights of American Muslims through the use of digital media public affairs and advocacy.

Jessica Reeves is the Chief Operating Officer at Voto Latino. In her role, she is responsible for developing and managing key partnerships and programs that help to advance the organization’s mission to bring new and diverse voices into the political process by engaging youth, media, technology and celebrities to promote positive change.

Ann Burroughs is the Interim President and CEO of the Japanese American National Museum and Chair of the Board of Directors of Amnesty International USA.

The Action ask box is open.