Happiness is letting someone make you the villain

Happiness(ˈhapēnəs) is letting someone make you the villain(ˈvilən)

By Derek Sivers

When I was making my record(ˈrekərd), I hired(hīr) a bassist(ˈbāsəst). But listening back to his tracks afterwards, I decided to play bass(bas,bās) myself instead. I’m glad I did, and love the results. But I hear he still hates me, 15 years later.

A writer in LA loved CD Baby, and kept insisting(inˈsist) I hire him as a consultant(kənˈsəltnt), clearly wanting the association(əˌsōsēˈāSHən). After his many requests and my many refusals(rəˈfyo͞ozəl), he threatened(ˈTHretn) to tell everyone CD Baby was a scam(skam) unless I hired him. I didn’t pay, so he’s been slamming(slam) me publicly(ˈpəblik(ə)lē) for years now.

Some ex-girlfriends(eks) and ex-colleagues(ˈkälˌēg) hate(hāt) me. Some people I’ve never met write pages on their blog about how much they hate me.

Funny thing is : I’m happy to be the villain they need.

Some people can only feel right by making someone else wrong.

I know I’m doing good helpful work. I’m so filled with love that nothing gets me down. So I guess if anyone should be the villain, it should be me!

It doesn’t bother me, and noticing it doesn’t bother me reminds me how happy I really am.

So, bring it on, anyone. Project your frustrations(frəˈstrāSHən) on to me. I’m happy to be that for whoever needs it.

https://sivers.org/villain