Lions vs. Sheep

Who's ever achieved a huge dream of theirs and then had someone trash on it because they were jealous? I certainly have, and I've seen that happen to a lot of my friends as well. They work really hard, for example, to earn the lead role in our musical.... and then someone who became a chorus member goes and trashes on the lead because they didn't get the part they wanted. My director calls that the "cheers and tears" effect. If you were the lead, how are you supposed to handle all of this negativity spewed at you? I've seen people almost give up their part because others made them feel bad about it. That's awful! So what do you do in that situation? 

When you've truly earned something, you're going to be recognized for it, whether the recognition be positive or negative. People are going to say something, no matter what. You get praised for doing something awesome, but the trick is to focus on that when the negativity comes around. 

You see, the people trashing you are just trying to get attention for themselves, saying things like you didn't deserve that part, promotion, whatever. They feel bad for their lack of attention so they pull it away from you. Don't let them get to you. 

Last night, I found a quote online that I loved. Originated by John G. Stevens, the quote said:

This is incredible. If you've truly earned that recognition, consider yourself a lion. You're a big shot, king of the jungle; at the moment, everyone's under you. Now, that's not to say you can become cocky about all of it. Keep your humility. Anyways, let's get back to the point. 

If you're the lion, that makes the "trashers," that's what I've dubbed them, the sheep. They don't have your status. They haven't earned the recognition. If they want to be a lion like you, they're going to have to work as hard as you did to get where you are. Recognition is earned, and they need to earn it, just like you did. 

Earn your recognition. Be proud of it. Be a lion and don't let the sheep get to you. Be proud. 

Love, Noelle.