When I was younger, I was often criticized as “bossy.” And all though my teen years and my professional life, I was reprimanded for qualities people would praise in a man. Tall with confidence is not always a combination people love in a female. Especially other females.
And even now, I get comments that I’m a shameless self promoter. Because I am promoting a book I wrote? That’s what authors do. Or because I promote my speaking? I can tell you that it was never my life’s ambition to push the cause of mental illness, addiction and suicide into a spotlight that didn’t embrace it. For a while, I spit in its face and stomped my feet. I didn’t want me or my child to be a poster person for this stigmatized cause.
That “shameless self promoter” is a mean-sprited phrase meant to shame me and push me back into a shell I have never lived in. I lost a child to suicide and I sold a successful company to be in a break even business the last three years? I don’t get it. But then bullying exists in the adult world, too.
While I ignore the comments because it had more to do with the person who said it than anything with me, it did spark those memories of my younger self when others would call me bossy the second I asserted myself.
I didn’t really know how much I was harboring that until someone else offered amazing feedback, was supportive and encouraging and offered praise that was so opposite of the shameless promoter accusation.
So while there are females that live to erode someone else’s confidence to boost their own, there are just as many supporting, mentoring and encouraging. Thank you for being that crowd.
Obviously this person has never lost a family member to suicide.
How dare they be critical when they have never walked in your shoes and you are helping so many.
I guess she doesn’t see it that way. And clearly she has some unresolved issues of her own. Thank you betty.
Well blow me down with a feather…If people can’t be nice then just say nothing. What Anne and her family have been through would break most,but Anne is “strong” and “brave” 100% on. your side ❤
It is pretty shocking what some people say
Yes, be true to yourself. Your mission is to Saves Lives and that is clear. Love you, Anne Moss.
Same my friend. And I am safeTALK trained and can have workshops now. Will be looking for sponsors
Unbelievable, just beyond unbelievable that some one has the audacity to say such words. I feel deep pity for anyone who would be so heartless and spiteful, what a sad life they must have. You are an amazing woman! Despite your world being turned upside down & inside out, you rose above it, sharing with the world lessons I personally hope I will never need but grateful you cared enough to SPEAK out!
You saw what we went through. Thank you Esther
I am hurt for your feelings Dear Anne. Esther I totally agree with you. How dare people say nasty hurtfull things. 😢 shame on them. Love you Anne x
Thank you carol. It only serves to make me stronger and more determined
Who in the world would say that? That’s what people do when they write a book! And most books don’t save lives.
Don’t change a thing you’re doing. For everyone that thinks that way, there are 100 of us who wish we were able to do what you do!
Love you Gray. Thank you. I’ll tell you the story in private one day. You’d be shocked. Or maybe not after what we have endured.
Sadly I bet I wouldn’t.
It isn’t easy finding the balance of promoting one’s self, but I’ve found that if you don’t, no one knows you’ve written a book. Keep doing what you’re doing. You are making a difference. The ones that can’t see that, well, it is their problem.
Thank you Don for that vote of confidence
Wow. I’m stunned at the “shameless” self promoter comments. You are working tirelessly to save lives. How would you get the word out except by promotion? I’ve known you a long time and think of you as fun, smart and capable. Keep on exactly as you are. I admire the heck out of you!
Love you Leigh. I appreciate it.
Just be true to yourself, Anne. You have been given gifts (yes, bossiness is a gift!). It’s tragic that you must use these gifts for something that is so painful to relive every minute of every day. Let the naysayers say their nay.
You know what is in your heart.
Thank you for your support Jan