When I added DJ Khaled on Snapchat and watched his story for the first time I laughed so hard I practically cried. His signature catch phrases and “keys to success” were exactly the kind of comic relief I needed in the middle of a stressful week. Somehow I found it hard to believe that if I started using cocoa butter and Listerine religiously I would magically amass a net worth of over 30 million dollars. Watching his daily routine I couldn’t help but wonder one thing. Who is “they” and why don’t they want him to eat breakfast or water his plants? Why do “they” want him to lose? Well, after some life experiences of my own, I finally figured out who “they” are. “They” are the people who don’t clap for you when you win. “They” are the people who want to undermine your happiness. “They” are the people who want to see you fail more than they want to see themselves succeed.
I’ll be the first to admit there was a time when I was really naive. I had this unrealistic idea in my head that every person I met and every friend I made would have my best interests at heart. I thought that no matter where I went or what I did, people would support me the way that my family always did. The truth is, not everyone is in your corner. Not everyone wants you to succeed and not everyone wants you to achieve your goals. Once you realize that, nothing can stop you. I have learned to let the people who try and hold me back be the same people who push me forward. The negativity thrown my way will never discourage me from chasing my dreams. When I hear people tell me that I can’t do something, I’m more determined to prove them wrong.
Still, I can’t help but feel a little sorry for these people. They spend so much of their time and exhaust so much of their energy being concerned with what I am doing. They feed off of my failures and use my shortcomings to make themselves feel better. I’m living the life I dreamed, making the most of every moment, and creating a legacy for myself. They are so focused on me that they have lost sight of their own happiness.
At times it can be hard. In my darkest moments, the ones riddled with self-doubt and uncertainty “they” feel the strongest. It is during these moments when I rely on the unconditional love and support of my family and friends. They remind me that I am a lion and “they” are sheep. Because after all, we know who eats who.
