Don Quixote Spirit

Every once in a while I encounter someone who reminds me of the inherent skepticism (prejudice?) against online marketing as a profession.

Recently, it feels like I have been bombarded by it. But the truth is, I've only discovered how many of my "friends" have been humoring me all this time. Or, worse, thinking I've suddenly dropped all my ethics and become some kind of con artist. (sigh)

It amazes me how far someone will go, rather than admit they are wrong. People who have known me for most of my life would rather think I became a crook than that I am right. I should be used to this by now. . . afterall, as a woman, it's part of our existence to be constantly doubted, humored, belittled, etc. It's bad enough when men do it to us (the misogynistic kind, anyway), but it's really harsh when we do it to each other. But this is the part of being a woman I never quite got right. . . the simpering, humble part. Instead, I get angry.

Still, I understand that human nature is what it is. And people will cling to a belief -- despite all evidence to the contrary -- like it's the holy grail, long after they have been proven wrong, and in direct contradiction to what their eyes show them.

At first, people said to me, "only gurus and con artists make money online." I recently realized that, now that I'm making money rather than believe me, they have decided I AM either a con artist or crook! And those who haven't, I discovered, are quietly certain my success will be short-lived; they are waiting for my success to run out and for me to fall on my butt. Because (according to them) whatever else happens, I cannot be right.

I feel like Don Quixote. . . tilting at windmills, fighting impossible fights. But, you know what? Rather than make me sad, it makes me smile. Because I love a good challenge.

Of course, it's sad to realize that those I considered friends and family have such a low opinion of me. That's a sobering truth, even for a grown up to handle. But, no. I think we all meet these cross roads at one point or another. . . a day when we look around and count our friends, and see how few they really are.

But I would rather know this truth -- no matter how harsh it may be -- than continue to be fooled by thinly veiled lies. And I'd rather know my true friends so I can count them in when I celebrate.

And most of all, I don't mind quietly and constantly continuing the fight against stupid prejudice-- because that's one of the few worthwhile endeavors left to the average person.--mo