No matter how positive we try to stay, the world has a way of testing that optimism. As a mom and a musician, I’ve heard plenty of opinions about what I should be doing: how I should sound, how I should parent, even how I should dream. Over time, I’ve learned that naysayers will always exist. What matters most is how we respond.
Listen—but filter
Not all criticism deserves the same weight. Some feedback helps us grow; the rest is just static. I’ve learned to pause before reacting and ask myself: Is this coming from a place of love or insecurity? The right kind of feedback sharpens you. The wrong kind only dulls your light.
Remember why you started
When the noise gets too loud, I turn back to my “why.” For me, that’s love. Love of music, love of family, and love of creating something meaningful. I remind myself of that girl who started singing into a hairbrush, not because she wanted approval but because she had something to say. That reminder cuts through the doubt every time.
Protect your energy
We can’t control what others say, but we can control what we focus on. I’ve learned to set boundaries. Sometimes that means logging off social media, sometimes it means walking away from conversations that drain me. Protecting your peace isn’t selfish; it’s survival for your creativity and sanity.
Surround yourself with believers
Every artist and every mom needs a hype circle. I lean on people who see the best in me, especially when I can’t see it myself. Encouragement from one genuine friend can drown out a dozen negative voices. Those are the people worth keeping close.
Let success speak louder than words
When people doubt you, don’t argue. Create. I’ve found that the most powerful response to criticism is quiet, consistent work. Success doesn’t have to be loud or flashy. It can be finishing a song, releasing it, or simply staying true to your voice when others try to shape it.
Transform criticism into fuel
Sometimes, the sting of a negative comment can spark motivation. I’ve learned to channel that energy into my work instead of letting it shrink me. There’s something deeply satisfying about turning “you can’t” into “I did.” It’s not about proving them wrong, it’s about proving yourself right.
Keep a gratitude list
At the end of every week, I jot down the things that went right: a compliment from a listener, a new idea, a moment of joy with my kids. Gratitude builds a wall that negativity can’t climb. It reminds me that for every critic, there’s someone out there quietly cheering me on.
Naysayers will always have opinions, but they don’t get to write your story. You do. Keep your head high, your heart open, and your focus on what truly matters. The world doesn’t need more noise; it needs your melody, played with grace and confidence.
The Music Mom: Eileen Carey 