Criticism...Tips to Take

Criticism is tough, whether you are giving it, or receiving it. While at a training seminar once they gave us detailed personality tests. Mine actually said, I gave criticism so subtle, that people did not even know they were getting criticized. I know I do not take criticism very well either.
I have to say my journey building my own business has changed that quite a bit. I'll be the first to say, as a small business owner of handmade goods, where I am the creative mind, the skilled labor, and the customer service, it is hard to seperate LilacAve from me, personally. So taking criticism does feel personal. However, what I have found, is after the shock of it wears off, there is often a lesson learned. This applies to both constructive criticism, and down and dirty criticism.
I think the problem is, when someone gives you advice or a critique it often makes us feel like maybe we are not as good as we thought we were (especially if you were not asking for the advice). I have learned, take some breaths, and listen. Often times there is value to what they are saying. Sometimes there absolutely isn't a value....and then you know what, it hurts less, after you've assessed it.
I am not saying that a criticism or advice is ALWAYS what you should follow. What I am saying, is you should listen to it. Digest it. And then decide about it. Don't just toss it away because your feelings were hurt; you could be missing something valuable.
I've gotten plenty of critcisms from strangers, friends, family, "co-workers", and I can say every one of them, has helped me decide what I WANT for my business, and what I don't, and it has brought me to where I am today. And I am POSITIVE, the criticism will live on, in the future as we mold and change some more.