Chapter 1: The Influence of Others

There's always someone out there who seems to know you better than you know yourself. In fact, countless individuals claim to have all the answers, offering a plethora of advice that you may never fully digest before they move on. When did this become the norm? When did we become mere consumers of advice, waiting for the next blogger’s unverified tips to transform us into the vibrant individuals we aspire to be while they depend on our approval to pay their bills?

Many enthusiasts of art and literature have felt the pressure to engage in endless workshops, watch countless YouTube tutorials, and scroll through Instagram for guidance before they can pursue their passions. But is this what we truly need? Should we really be absorbing other people's interpretations of how to harness our innate talents?

Let me share my own journey.

Since childhood, I had an unwavering desire to immerse myself in literature, a dream kindled by my father, an amateur poet involved in the local poetry scene. He encouraged me to memorize and recite poetry, convinced that I was destined for greatness despite my young age and limited understanding. As a five-year-old, I found the task daunting, but my interest eventually shifted to prose—something I could comprehend and create more easily, especially in my school essays, which often earned me high praise. However, access to age-appropriate literature was scarce in my small town, which led me to stray from my original aspirations.

Studying English and literature at university reignited my passion. Suddenly, I found myself driven to pursue a literary career once again, receiving accolades for my writing. With newfound access to a wealth of books, films, and theater productions, nothing—not even financial constraints—could deter me from my goals. My teaching salary was sufficient to cover my literary pursuits, including workshops led by esteemed writers.

How exhilarating it felt to sit just a few feet away from a celebrated author and absorb their wisdom in person!

When I finally enrolled in my dream writing class, I anticipated a transformative experience. However, the reality was far from what I envisioned. I listened, followed instructions, and even engaged fully—but ultimately, I left the course well before its conclusion. My university professor expressed disappointment, but I felt crushed. I questioned my talent, convinced that my confidence had been shattered.

"You can't build a new self before dismantling the old one," he advised. I respected his perspective, yet I couldn't bring myself to return. I knew there was nothing fundamentally wrong with me!

The collective sentiment among my classmates seemed to mirror my own. We often mistake the words of acclaimed figures as gospel, allowing their confidence to overshadow our own self-worth. Any shortcomings in their teachings become reflective of our own inadequacies.

I am the child who boldly declares that the emperor is wearing nothing!

In that class, we all recognized that our instructor's aim was to dismantle our confidence rather than nurture it. No matter how we expressed ourselves, our work felt devalued, especially when our famous peers were praised for their lackluster efforts.

I attempted a few more workshops, some of which were beneficial, but those specifically geared toward writing often left me feeling alienated from literature. I learned the hard way that I should never have entrusted my talents to anyone else, nor allowed my budding artistry to be overshadowed by the imposing presence of a critic.

Had I not internalized negative beliefs about my abilities, I would likely have completed the novel that once ignited my passion, regardless of the outcome. After all, inactivity yields no progress.

Years have gone by, and I still haven’t heard of any of my classmates getting published. I can listen to successful authors and learn from their journeys, but I refuse to depend on external validation regarding my love for writing.

To me, those who claim to be emperors are often devoid of substance! They manipulate us to bolster their own egos, and I will never again place my trust in them.

I possess all the essential elements to become a great writer: passion, access to literature, patience, opportunities, and the perseverance to realize my dreams. Above all, I need to trust in myself.

It’s time to confront my past adversaries and prove them wrong through my creative endeavors. No one will deter me from pursuing my dreams—not in this lifetime!

This video, "The Emperor's New Clothes," explores themes of self-awareness and the importance of staying true to oneself.

The full movie, "The Emperor's New Clothes | Fairy Tales For Children," illustrates the timeless lesson of recognizing one's true potential and not succumbing to external pressures.