A Step Back and Two Forward...I hope!
Embarking on a new project is always thrilling, especially when it’s something close to your heart. When I decided to launch the pilot for La Fuerza de Nuestra Lengua, I couldn’t wait to share the excitement with my friends. After all, this project celebrates our shared culture, resilience, and voices. It felt like a no-brainer—my friends would naturally be on board, right?
I eagerly wrote heartfelt messages to those I’ve known for years, explaining the project and inviting them to participate. Hitting "send," I imagined the calls and enthusiastic responses that would follow. I envisioned conversations about our roots and stories, thinking this would be the perfect opportunity to reconnect through something meaningful.
But then… silence.
Not the immediate buzz of interest I anticipated. Instead, many of my friends responded with politeness, perhaps a quick "That sounds great!" But no one really jumped at the chance to talk further or dive into what could have been such a personal, impactful conversation. It was disappointing, to say the least. I wondered, "Do they just not get it? Is this not as important to them as it is to me?"
Ironically, while the silence from friends lingered, something unexpected happened—complete strangers were far more eager to engage. People I hadn’t known before this project were willing to dive into deep conversations about their experiences, offering their stories with open hearts. It was refreshing, yet bittersweet. Strangers understood the project's significance without hesitation. Maybe because, in some ways, we weren’t starting with assumptions; they were more curious, unburdened by any past history.
I’m still processing this. I think it's one of those moments where you realize that the people who matter most to you may not always be on the same wavelength—and that’s okay. Maybe it’s easier to open up to someone with no prior connection. Or maybe there’s a deeper lesson about where support comes from when you’re on a journey of creation.
Either way, I'm moving forward, bolstered by the support of those I didn't expect and understanding that sometimes, the most enthusiastic supporters are the ones you haven't met yet.