I periodically take some time out to think about the good things I have. It’s something I’ve done since I was a kid; the theory is that I can’t accidentally lose something I love by not paying attention, and that no matter how bad things are, I focus on the things that make me happy when I can. Keeps me grounded and happy.
And I realised something important.
The people I hang around with now, everyone I call friend and/or interact with regularly, is someone I picked. It wasn’t always this way, and I didn’t even realise the difference until very recently.
Choose to spend your time with people who support you and the things you do. You can’t always avoid the others, we live in this capitalist hellscape and it comes with a lot of forced acquaintanceship. But when you can choose?
Surround yourself with people who think you’re worthwhile, who think the things you do and the things you are are deserving of time and energy and support.
Life will always be hard in some way or another. But if you can choose the people with whom you face the hard patches, the happy bits, and the boring amble in between… It will be so much easier, you won’t remember why you ever did it any other way.
It seems like this post isn’t about making, but it is. I spend my spare money on art supplies, I spend a lot of my time drawing or painting or learning how to use Blender… Sculpting or sewing or whatever else I get my grubby little hands on.
And only now, at 35, have I finally, properly surrounded myself with people who care about the stuff I make.
It makes a difference. An enormous difference. A difference you should try for yourself.
So much truth!!