❤️‍🩹 When a stranger called me spam...

Elfina Luk

Jan 21 (edited) • 💬 General

I want to share something really vulnerable with you today.

This morning, I woke up to an Instagram comment that stung: "I wish Elifinaluk would stop spamming me."

Ouch. (Yep, he didn't even spell my name right.)

You know that immediate gut-punch feeling when you read something hurtful?

Yeah, that one.

My first reaction was defensive.

I quickly replied, offering to remove them.

But then something shifted as I was making breakfast for my daughter...

I started really processing what I was feeling.

After 20+ years in film and TV, you'd think rejection would slide right off me.

But here's the truth: rejection always hurts, whether it's walking into an audition room or reading a comment online.

And that's exactly what I want to share with you today.

I know how terrifying it can be to show up online, to put yourself out there, to be vulnerable to judgment.

When that fear of rejection hits, it typically does one of two things:

It can make us build walls, put up armor, and become less authentic (which ironically makes us less connectable)
Or worse - it can stop us from even trying, keeping us from pursuing what we truly desire

But here's what I've learned after processing thousands of rejections throughout my career: trying to brush it off or tell yourself "it doesn't bother me" doesn't actually help.

It just suppresses those very real feelings.

And you know what happens when we suppress feelings?

They're just boiling to come back up stronger than before.

So, here was my process today:

1️⃣ I honored my hurt feelings. Yes, rejection stings - and that's okay.

2️⃣ Divinely, this very suitable quote landed in my inbox this morning: "Your value doesn't decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth." (Was a sign I am meant to share this message with you today.)

3️⃣ I chose to use this experience to connect more deeply with you, turning vulnerability into strength.

Because here's the beautiful truth: when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and process our feelings authentically, we become more real, more relatable, and more connected to the humans on the other side of the screen.

Does this resonate with you?

If so, here's what I've learned helps:

Next time rejection hits, pause before reacting
Give yourself permission to feel hurt (set a timer for 5 minutes if you need to)
Ask yourself: "How can I use this experience to connect more deeply with my audience?"
Remember that every 'no' is making space for the right 'yes'

Because at the end of the day, your authenticity matters more than any rejection.

The world needs your voice, your story, your truth - even if it makes you vulnerable.

ESPECIALLY if it makes you vulnerable.

Here's to showing up authentically.

"Rejection doesn't diminish your light - it simply reveals who isn't ready for your brightness. Keep shining anyway."

With love & vulnerability,

Elfina 💖

💭 Have you ever had a moment like this? A comment or message that stung, but ultimately made you stronger? Share your story below - let's remind each other that we're not alone in these moments. ✨

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