But I'm A Cheerleader (1999)

But I'm a Cheerleader (1999)

Director: Jamie Babbit

Cinematographer: Jules Labarthe

Tech Specs:

— Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

— Negative Format: 35 mm

— Cinematographic Process: Spherical

Some simple truths I learned about simblr (from my experience)

It is okay to start big projects like a legacy, a story, a challenge etc. But it’s also okay not to finish them for whatever reason you have, even if you just got bored of them. You don’t even have to make excuses or apologize for it - we are all people, and those who matter will understand. Be spontaneous and don’t make long-term plans if you feel like you can’t handle them - do whatever makes you happy right now.

I used to think I’m posting for fun, but I wasn’t, for this exact reason: I was starting a lot of things and was fixated on finishing everything. Instead of posting/doing what I wanted at the moment (and I have changes of heart pretty often, it’s hard for me to stick to one thing), I pressured myself to complete some stuff first (e.g. a certain legacy generation) simply not to leave it hanging, even if I wasn’t inspired for it anymore. I won’t even mention that editing/drafting/sharing it on your blog also takes plenty of energy, and I constantly felt the need to update my queue. It became more of an “god, I still have to finish this legacy and post it…” than “I want to play this legacy!”. This, among other things, led to a huge burnout that affected my ability to play and enjoy it properly, and it’s a shame because sims is supposed to be a hobby and not a chore.

Your followers really won’t die if you stop posting a certain save or pause your posting in general, even if they absolutely loved it. And you’re not obliged to finish it if you don’t want to - you won’t get a medal for, say, reaching gen 10 of the legacy or completing some challenge. Your mental well-being comes first.

Speaking of challenges, you don’t have to follow all of its rules. It’s your gameplay, you can adjust it however you like, and there’s no challenge police that will come and tell you that you failed.

Listen to yourself. Sometimes you may have some ambitious idea that you want to bring to life, but ask yourself: realistically, how many of your resources will it take? Is it worth it, or maybe there can be an alternative, more relaxed thing that you can do? (e.g. less generations, a smaller story, time skips etc.)

It’s also okay to take breaks and play/post whenever you feel like it. I used to worry about people unfollowing while I’m not posting, but I started taking unfollows less seriously - it means these people are simply not your audience, and it’s okay. There will always be others.

POV based on a true story: you’re posting something and not really enjoying it, but you feel like your followers may be. But, chances are, they don’t even need it that much either, and you’re burning yourself out for no reason.

It may be hard, but try not to engage with anonymous hate or people who are provoking you. They are cowards hiding behind the screen without any consequences. As I learned, it will only make you feel worse to get involved into debates with them, because their purpose is to make you feel bad, not to listen to your point of view. Happy and confident people don’t go around spreading hate or accusations, so don’t let them tarnish your enjoyment.

No amount of stressing over notes, trying to follow popular trends and impress the public will ever replace genuine joy in doing what your heart wants and sharing it with those who care most. In the end, this is all that matters.