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Not everyone will understand your journey. That’s fine. It’s not their journey to make sense of. It’s yours.

Zero Dean

Author | Photographer | CG Artist | Filmmaker

Making what you’re inspired to make

Sometimes I get really inspired by the amazing & creative things I see shared online. It makes me want to try to share creative things as well. But then I sometimes hear a voice in my head that says, “What’s the point of even trying? You’ll never produce anything as good as that.” or “You’re so less skilled and so far behind everyone else, why even start?”

The reason I share this is to let you know that if you sometimes battle with a voice like that, you’re not alone. And while I hear the voice more often than I’d like to — and it sometimes slows me down — I refuse to let it deter me from ultimately doing what I want to do.

And you shouldn’t either. Even if you feel behind. And even if you feel like you’re bad at what it is you want to do. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Part of living life to the fullest means making what you’re inspired to make simply because you were inspired to make it.

There is a sense of satisfaction that comes with being able to look at something and say, “I made this.” But you’ll never hear yourself say it if you listen to the voice that stops you from starting. So stop listening to that voice and start listening to the one that says, “Do it anyway.” And realize, even if your goal is to share what you create, you’re not really doing it for others. You’re doing it for you.

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In a world of critics…

It is entirely possible to help people without criticizing them or what they do. It is entirely possible to have a disagreement without being disrespectful. It is entirely possible to teach and guide people without abusing them.

There is no shortage of critics, haters, or people who complain about things that they don’t like. There is, however, a severe shortage of people actively encouraging what they do.

Encouraging what you’d like to see more of is a far more elegant and positive solution than constantly complaining about or criticizing things that you don’t.

If your method of “helping” people often involves making them feel bad, you may want to reconsider what it means to be helpful.

In a world of critics, be an encourager.

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Feeling like no one truly gets or understands you

 

If others in your life seem to have an easier time making friends or connecting with people — despite your interest in doing so — it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you.

Or if you sometimes feel like no one truly understands or gets you, you’re not alone. Often, this means that “your people” — people like you — are less common (or at least less common where you are) or less likely to indiscriminately reveal their true self to others.

And as much as you may, at times, appreciate your solitude (or not), this lack of connection can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness or sadness. At times like this, it’s important to appreciate yourself for who you are and to recognize your value as one of your people. Because someone else is out there — who may occasionally feel the same way — and they’re looking to connect with someone just like you.

Be there for them so they do.

Can you recall…

Can you recall ever witnessing someone getting help or encouragement when they didn’t expect it? Can you picture the recipient’s response or imagine how it made them feel?

Pretty great, right?

You can be someone who gives help & encouragement to people who don’t expect it.

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You don’t do it for your critics

No matter what you do or what you create, it is almost inevitable that someone somewhere won’t like it — even if what you’re doing is generous, selfless, or kind.

Always remember that you don’t do what you do for your critics, you do it for the people who find value in it — even if it’s just one person (or yourself).

Criticism is common. Keep going.

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We’re all in the same boat

You can literally do anything — even with the best of intentions — and if enough people hear about, someone isn’t going to like it.

You can also do absolutely nothing and get the same result.

Just do your best to set a good example.
We’re all in the same boat.

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When you truly believe in yourself

When you truly believe in yourself and what you intend to do, it matters far less — if at all — when others don’t.

Remember, you are not here to confine yourself to other people’s expectations. You are here to live life in whatever way that brings meaning & purpose to it.

You and your life are a work-in-progress and will be every second that you exist until your expiration date.

Set goals worth striving for — even if they’re lofty — and begin the journey to accomplish them. Recognize that mistakes are how we learn & failure is simply feedback, it is not the end.

Take what you learn from all life experiences — the “good” & especially the “bad” — and keep pushing forward with a purpose the best that you are able to.

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