The Cuban creator Maydalina, known on TikTok as @maydalinavalentina, posted a video defending her voluntary return to Cuba and addressing those who questioned her decision.
In the video, Maydalina recounts that before returning, many people told her: "Are you crazy? How can you think about going back to Cuba right now? You have nothing there." Far from being influenced, the content creator chose to follow her own convictions: "Sometimes in life, you have to listen to your heart more than the opinions of others."
The influencer returned to the island around mid-February 2026. At the time of posting the video, she stated that she had been back for "a month and a few days with the same dreams she carried before." She described that period as "full of changes and challenges, but also full of lessons. Because when life shakes you, you start to understand what really matters: health, family, the people who are with you."
The return has not been easy. "It's not easy, but it's not impossible either," acknowledges Maydalina, who also reveals that it is "for the third time, starting from scratch", suggesting at least two previous phases of life restart. Nevertheless, she maintains a hopeful tone: "Yes, I am starting anew and gradually rebuilding what we once dreamed of." Her case is reminiscent of other compatriots who have recently chosen to return to the island.
The creator announced that she will document her process of readjustment with complete transparency: "I want to share this process with you, without filters and without pretending to have a perfect life, just the reality of someone who decided to start over with a lot of faith and with the hope that dreams can also be realized."
The reactions to the video came quickly, reflecting the division of opinions that such decisions generate. Some users praised the determination —“You did the right thing, I plan to do the same, go back to my Cuba,” one commented— while others defended the harshness of life on the island: “This country isn’t for everyone; you have to push forward here.” There were also more skeptical comments, such as “I’m going to see if faith and dreams can feed you,” alongside supportive messages, affectionate emojis, and others that expressed doubt or surprise at their decision.
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