When something or someone becomes toxic, you have to step away and save yourself. Especially nowadays with the power of social media, you have to learn to disconnect when it becomes too much. You become so intertwined in people’s lives where you have no business in. I never did understand what compelled people to be so mean to others they didn’t know.

I recently took a break from posting on Instagram when I found out that people I didn’t really know but knew by association were reading into my posts to figure out what was going on in my personal life. Ultimately, spreading rumors and treating me unkindly. People were starting to come into my lane. It honestly shocked me a little that people I have never even spoken to or crossed paths with were now crossing paths with me on purpose to be hateful towards me. I even considered deleting my account just to try to quiet the noise and fade away from the unwanted attention but you can’t let other people’s insecurities become your own problems.

“The reality is they fear that they will never be able to get to where you are right now.”

Leah Remillet

I’m actually an incredibly private person, regardless of what’s displayed on my Instagram or what is written on this blog. I share the things that mean something to me, in hopes to also inspire something positive in anyone who comes across it. I’ve never really had anyone use the things I’ve shared against me in such a negative manner, especially since I never thought anyone really cared about what I had to say.

It took me a while to finally come to terms with it. This is for anyone else who’s been in a similar situation, I want you to repeat this to yourself: People who don’t know you or don’t have your best intentions, don’t matter. No offense, but they don’t. The reality is that I was just sharing some positive thoughts that I thought would lift people up that day. (I’ve now changed the captions since.) It didn’t have to do with any of the stories that people were making up and corroborating but people will think whatever they want to think.

For those of you who have been in my shoes, remember none of the negativity has to do with you. Just keep doing you and continue to shine brighter than you already are. People see you. They can feel your energy. That may inspire some while it may intimidate others. Don’t let anyone else’s bitterness change the person you are.

“You will never be criticized by someone who is doing more than you. You will only be criticized by someone who is doing less than you. Remember that.”

Nipsey Hussle

And for those of you who get triggered by other people’s success or happiness, I beg you, please before you jump to conclusions and make assumptions about another person’s life, reflect and see which of your own insecurities were brought out. Take a look at yourself and spend time on yourself. Love yourself. I hope you all find your own happiness so you can also spread positivity rather than try to diminish someone else’s. It’s honestly not worth your time or anybody else’s. You are worth more. Hold yourself to a higher standard. You owe yourself that much.