Got enemies?

“You have enemies? Why, it is the story of everyone who has done a great deed or created a new idea. It is the cloud which thunders around everything that shines. Fame must have enemies, as light must have gnats. Do not bother yourself about it. Keep your mind serene as you keep your life clear.” ~Victor Hugo

There’s another similar quote that’s often misattributed to Winston Churchill. It goes something like this: “If you have enemies, that’s good. It means you stand for something.”

The point is, popularity is overrated. If you’re living authentically, it’s nearly impossible to be loved by everyone all the time. But if you’re still playing the Nice Person role — laboring to please everyone or telling people what you think they want to hear — your spineless back is probably bothering you by now. Eventually you’ll pay the price for safety and mediocrity.

Authenticity isn’t easy. Doing something creatively bold or unique can inspire jealousy as well as admiration. Today, Victor Hugo’s quote (yes, he really wrote it) suggests that you’re bound to have detractors when you’re making a difference. Keep going. ~Cindy La Ferle