I woke up this morning mentally preparing myself for the big day ahead (I am getting the keys to my new apartment and getting all the furniture delivered). I did what most millennials do, I checked my phone... hmm.. there was an airbnb review left for my past Atlanta trip. I checked the host's review. It was negative.
To put things in context, the airbnb was booked for two nights but I was only using it for one night as my flight got delayed. When I arrived at the airbnb it was already midnight (we had gone to see some friends and explored the city), so upon noticing that the bed frame was smack dab BROKEN in the middle, I did not notify the host to be courteous. The next morning, I immediately notified the host as well as customer service (not to ask for a refund but to make sure that the next guests did not need to live on a broken bed as well as to ensure that we were not liable for any damages done prior to our visit). The host apologized.
However, the review that was left said that I was both a scammer asking for a refund as well as blaming me for the damages to the bed frame.
I was understandably upset.
It was completely rude of these hosts to not take responsibility for their own property and blame the guests. Furthermore they had asked me to leave constructive criticism privately, which I did as to not affect their source of income. Yet, they did not have the courtesy to address any issues with me directly.
After brushing my teeth and giving me some time to cool down, I also realized something else. Their review means NOTHING to me. And, it shouldn't. These are people I do not know that are putting negative energy into the universe. This negative energy even plagued me a little bit. But, by allowing their negative energy to taint me, I was letting them win.
Instead, I need to learn to brush it off and realize that I need to put POSITIVE energy into the universe. I need to be happy with who I am regardless of the validations of others. Things will happen to and for me regardless.