Go "Thrive" Yourself: What to Do When You Don't Get the Support You Need

Why do so few artists receive the support they need?

The short answer - they do not provide it for themselves.

Artists who feel unsupported typically look outside of themselves, instead of within, for approval and validation. It's not that they don't want to become self-reliant or their own cheerleader - it's that they do not know how.

If you did not grow up in a family that supported or valued the arts, you may find your parents, siblings and friends less than enthusiastic about your "calling." I hear from clients all the time – successful artists with careers spanning decades – whose parents still say, "are you still doing that art thing?" No one asks the family doctor "Are you still doing the Doctor thing?"

Sometimes those closest to us can be downright hostile about our artistic dreams. Sometimes their words and actions can crush the fragile flames of inspiration in our hearts – which is a fancy-pants way of saying crushing our spirit.

Since creativity and inspiration come so easily to us, we often assume others have the same abilities – that everyone hears the Muse calling. For most people, the Muse lies dormant their entire lives -

So when those closest to you push your dreams away, you have to step in and catch them.

Don’t let yourself be the one to push away your own dream.

Being an artist takes a special kind of courage – the courage to give in to your own creative spirit, despite what other people say, despite their laughter and their scorn, despite the crippling fears that well up inside you. 

Do you know anyone living with such boldness?

If you do, reach out and ask for support, learn what you can to change your thinking and empower yourself to live the life your creative spirit desires. If you do not know anyone living their best life, you'll want to visit the sites of these courageous women who have the courage to fly, who are striving to create their thriving artistic lives.

You are the keeper of your desired life – you alone carry the keys to your creative freedom.

It's time to unlock the door and unchain yourself from the perceptions of others. It's time to set yourself free from expectations and anger and pain and fear. When we are the caterpillar inching along the branch, we do not yet know the butterfly we are to become.

When we step off that branch and no longer deny our iridescent wings, we can finally soar.

What one thing do you need, right now, in order to create the life you truly desire? Please share by leaving your thoughts below