As a content creator, part of the reason I quietly stepped away from media and became selective with who I collaborate with is because after reflecting on past connections, it opened my eyes to how people will support you until they perceive your success as their failure; now you’re a threat to their self-esteem. It’s disheartening because while my mission statement is to educate, entertain and encourage, I said to myself I’d never become an influencer who doesn’t interact with their supporters. But after so many instances of others attempting to slander and defame me, take advantage of my kindness or simply experience abundance by proximity, I’ve had to reform my approach.
If it wasn’t one-sided competitions then it was attempted sabotage. I’ve had “friends” try to destroy my spirit but when THAT failed, they resorted to one-upping me. Because I’m secure and increasingly becoming more content with my Being, I’m never envious of others. I don’t know what that person had to do to get what they’re at nor do I want to, but if there’s something someone has that I want, I can achieve it myself. Might not happen today or tomorrow but I trust that it will. If it doesn’t, I take that as the universe saying it’s not meant for me. Seeing other people accomplish their goals motivates me in my own pursuit which is why I love watching others win.
And after a 6 month hiatus, I feel ready to return. I’m not internalising the insecurities people project onto me nor am I engaging with mindless drama. I’ve come to realise that the reason some people have developed animosity toward me is because of their own shortcomings and they dislike the genuine passion I put into my craft.
There’s people assuming the volunteering I do is to curate the image I’m someone who can do no wrong which is far from the truth, because you can be a shitty person and still do “good deeds.” I advocate because I understand what it’s like to live in an underserved community. I understand what it’s like to struggle financial stability, food security, have accessibility to healthcare and other resources. It’s having that experience that helps building relationships with my and neighbouring communities easier and more fulfilling. There’s people upset at me for being a non Latino/hispanic, Spanish-speaking person, despite the fact I’m open about learning with Duolingo and have been for 2 almost 3 years. Mind you, it takes nothing at all to install and learn the language themselves yet they don’t, they’re just upset that I’m putting forth the effort.
Even constantly facing an influx of unnecessary bullshit, I truthfully don’t care about the people perceiving me. I care about those who see me for who I am and what I strive to do, not the roles and titles I have as an advocate, creator, etc. While I’m gradually easing back into media, I’ve created and am taking an approach that works for me and am excited to get back in my motion!
