It would be so amazing if everyone in our lives were supportive of us and our efforts.
If you've chosen to live a creative life, though, chances are your values don't quite align with what "society" thinks you should be doing.
You want to paint, but your dad wants you to pick a career that's more stable.
You want to write, but your sister thinks it's a waste of time since so few people actually get publishing deals, a small minority actually make a living at it, and fewer still become household names.
If you're serious about your goals and dreams, though, these people and their negativity will suck the creative energy out of your body. They're like vampires in that way, and it's better to stay as far away from them as possible.
Over the years, I've learned *exactly* who I can talk to about my publishing career or writing process, and who it's better to just leave in the dark, even if they ask about what I'm working on.
So take a few moments to consider:
Who in your life is supporting you right now?
How do they support you?
Who in your life isn't supporting you right now?
What does this lack of support look like?
How does it affect you?
What might your life look like if you cut this person out of it?
If you can't cut him/her out of your life completely, what can you do to lessen their proverbial blows? What parts of your life/career might you need to keep to yourself? If you do plan to be open, how can you insulate yourself so their negativity doesn't have an adverse effect on you?
Know who the creative vampires in your life are, and put a plan in place to deal with them.
And, as always, Be Brilliant!
~Katie~
