Protect ourselves when jealous people try to destroy out talents

Do any of you have an art, craft, or sport that you are a “natural” at, but who sometimes people try to take away your talent?

I am a gifted natural singer and musician. I could sing Mozart before I could walk. I was a natural performer, and sang everywhere, all the time. At four years old in Kindergarten, I sang “In Your Easter Bonnet” and “God Bless America,” hardly “baby songs.” My parents were very supportive and encouraging. They were singers, too.

Over the years, I have had to get my talent back. Usually, it was because people I knew well tried to tell me I was no good. Or one woman who was a bar room pianist and singer, told me I’d never be one; but I was good. She just wanted to destroy me.

But I also remember my loved teacher in first grade, who tried to "teach" me how to sing. She meant well, but she really messed me up.

But most of my various times of losing my talent was when other singers told me I "could not sing" or "could not yodel." Why didn't I trust my own talent? I have no idea. I had to reclaim my talent many times. One time I was able to recover my singing ability by singing funny songs at first. They made me happy, and were easy songs, so I thought they weren't "important" I guess. Shortly after I did that, I sang in an amphitheater in a park, and a man called to me over the field: '"Hey Singer!" I was so validated!

A woman I knew well who was a good singer, told me that I was not yodeling, and could not yodel. She was wrong. Years later, I am a good yodeler. Why did I let this jealous person trounce me?

Anyone relate? What are you doing, or have done, to retain your talent/skills?