Westward Podcast Episode 8:

Wait! Don't Delete Your Account. My Tips for Navigating Negativity Online

This episode is brought to you by Warrior Counseling Works.

Donate, support, and learn more about Warrior Counseling Works: ⁠⁠https://warriorcounselingworks.org/⁠⁠

Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!

This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.

In this episode of the Westward Podcast, I'm talking to you from the heart, discussing the significance of understanding and coping with negativity on social media, particularly within the horse industry.

Negativity is a fact of life. Learning how to navigate it in the social media space will help you build resiliency and strength. As you grow and succeed, you'll face this challenge more, and more. But you can overcome.

I share some personal anecdotes, strategies for distinguishing constructive feedback from baseless negativity, and the importance of staying true to oneself and maintaining a positive focus.

I encourage you to curate your online spaces, engage with supportive communities, and remember your passion for horses and life.

00:00 Welcome and Weekly Updates

01:36 Engaging with the Community

03:21 Wedding Planning Excitement

04:40 Horse Health and Spring Preparations

05:20 Introduction to Today's Topic: Negativity

06:20 Dealing with Negativity in Life

08:21 Personal Growth and Handling Criticism

11:28 The Power of Words and Social Media

19:20 Action Steps for Coping with Negativity

28:25 Navigating Online Criticism

28:53 Evaluating Anonymous Feedback

32:45 Highlight Reel vs. Reality

36:01 Understanding Critics' Motivations

39:47 Responding with Kindness

42:52 Taking Breaks and Setting Boundaries

44:18 Constructive Criticism vs. Negativity

47:32 Final Thoughts on Handling Negativity