Hi @Babasheep, thank you for sharing your honest thoughts and feelings with us. It sounds like you’re navigating a complex and challenging work environment, and I can imagine how frustrating and confusing it must be too. I just want to assure you that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions and conflicts in the workplace, especially when you’ve gone through team changes and encountered gossip about yourself.
I feel that the advice you’ve received from your colleagues about not being too hard on yourself and the importance of self-change rather than trying to change others, contains some wisdom. I think that self-compassion is a valuable tool, and it’s important for us to recognize that we all have our strengths and areas for growth. It’s also true that you can’t control the actions and behaviors of others, but the good thing is… you can control how you respond to them 
I can tell that you have strong convictions about your standards and expectations, which can be a positive trait. However, it’s also important to find a balance between holding high standards and working effectively with your leaders and colleagues. If a person is constantly defying leaders, it may lead to conflicts and misunderstandings, which can negatively impact the person’s work relationships and the overall team dynamics.
If you believe that your leaders are not meeting your expectations, it can be helpful to consider constructive ways to address this concern. Open and respectful communication can often lead to positive changes within a team. You might consider having a candid but respectful conversation with your leaders to express your concerns and suggest possible improvements.
Additionally, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about how to navigate these challenges, you may benefit from seeking guidance and support from a career counselor or therapist. They can provide you with strategies for effective communication, conflict resolution, and managing workplace stress.
Meanwhile, here are some helpful tools that you can try to keep yourself calm and emotionally regulated:
Last but not least, finding a balance between maintaining your standards and working collaboratively with your colleagues and leaders is possible!
This is a journey of self-discovery and self-awareness, so take your time and pace yourself. Remember, we’re here with you! All the best!