Is Constructive Criticism, Constructive?

Growing up I never took criticism well. I would hear teachers, my mom, my friends and whoever else it was saying "It's constructive, to better you and your life, why are you so upset?"
I saw it as someone pointing out all the wrong things I had done or was doing.
I have never looked at criticism as a good thing.
To this day, I receive criticism every day.
How I am raising my child, how my marriage works, how I perform at my job, how I look and many many more.



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Everyone strives to do their very best and when someone is constantly pointing out the negative it begins to take its toll whether it is intended that way or not.
I have been dealing with a lot of criticism lately and it has pushed me to the edge. I am very sensitive to what others think about about me or the actions I am taking. What they say to me or about me effects my thinking and feelings more than anyone will ever know.
Inside, I know that I am a hard worker, that I do my best to look great, feel great and perform at a higher standard than most but when someone else isn't feeling that same way it is disappointing.
Instead of looking at criticism as a growing experience I take it all to heart.

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These are the things I hear and how my heart and mind reacts.

You made a mistake, how many times do I have to tell you, how long have you been doing this=dumb, stupid, ignorant and incompetent.

Why does she only act that way with you (daughter)=bad parenting, too busy, need to change my ways, she's a brat and get off that cell phone.

You look tired, is there something wrong=you look horrible, what did you do all night, you need more sleep, gross ugh blah....etc

Are you even looking at what you are doing=hello wake up, earth to blondie, you aren't using your head.

So you get the drift, one comment can be taken a million different ways. Although nothing is meant by it or it may be a general statement critiquing what you are doing it affects moods and thoughts.

So as a new approach to living less stressed, hurt and overwhelmed I am handling the criticism in this way:

With positivity
Accepting that I am not perfect
Not taking it personally
I won't give up
By listening to the criticism and taking it as learning experience to become better and improve
Remembering what was said and finding the positivity in the statement

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As I grow and age I have learned that expectations will always be there and that standards will be set high. I will not be able to please everyone and that is ok.
At the end of the day, if I did my best then that is all that matters. Giving up is the easy way out and I am not a quitter.
I am taking the path less traveled that has scared me since my childhood and breaking out of my shell. I will not sit back and let the criticism break my spirit. I am who I am and as long as I am happy with my hard work, dedication and love for my life that's all I need.