A woman whom I have never met has been spreading unflattering and unfounded rumours about me, weaving a narrative that is both hurtful and completely baseless. She has actively tried to discourage new acquaintances from pursuing a friendship with me, leveraging her influence over our mutual social circles, as we socialize with some of the same people. At first, I was very angry, overwhelmed by a rush of emotions that left me questioning my own worth. Why the Hell is my name on someone else’s lips? How dare a perfect stranger talk about me in such a derogatory way without any justification? I couldn’t understand what could possibly motivate someone to drag my name through the mud in such a careless and reckless manner. Yup, I was pissed, grappling with feelings of betrayal and confusion as I tried to navigate the impact this malicious gossip could have on my life and relationships.
Years ago, the dis-regulated me would have sought revenge, defended myself, and worked really hard to discredit her. I would have paced the floors, obsessively bitching about her nerve, attacking her character, and fantasizing about clever retorts that would leave her speechless. The anger would have consumed me, leading me to say all the negative things one could in an attempt to diminish her in the eyes of others. And I will admit there’s a tiny part of me that initially reacted that way, feeling the familiar rush of indignation and a desire for retribution. However, after some deep reflection and understanding of my own worth, I made the decision to let it go. I realized that holding onto resentment only perpetuated a cycle of negativity and that true strength lies in rising above the situation. After all, why waste my precious time and energy defending myself or discrediting anyone when my very behaviour, marked by kindness and integrity, will do that all on its own? Letting go became an empowering choice, liberating me from the chains of bitterness and allowing me to focus on what truly matters in my life.
It says a lot about my growth as a human, and I’m damned proud of myself. Having come a long way, I have learned to appreciate the journey of self-discovery and personal development. She can run her mouth off and ultimately expose all her own insecurities, malice, and utter lack of maturity for everyone to see. Meanwhile, I stand firm in my truth, knowing that her opinions do not define me. I don’t have to say a word or lift a finger; I just have to be me and remember that what other people say about me behind my back is none of my business. Their judgments are reflections of themselves, not of me, and this realization has empowered me to cultivate a life filled with positivity and self-acceptance.
My Phoenix Rising 