My Biggest Fan
My art and photography has always been something that has always been present in my life, but I've never been sure what direction I'm supposed to go with it. I've had highs and lows of art productivity, times of encouragement, but also times where I felt it would never be anything more than a side hobby, that I should just stick with being an accountant.
Often, I was actually okay feeling this way. But that wasn't okay with this guy.
I married this amazing dude this June, but even before we said "I Do" he's been a constant source of encouragement in my life and art, to such an extent I'm not sure if I've ever had this level of a cheerleader. When I became brave enough to tell him how much fulfillment just creating stuff gave me, and how I always wanted to pursue art, he was instantly 1,000% on board.
"I want you to pursue your art, because you will definitely make it and be awesome at it."
"I will totally support us, and even if we have to eat ramen noodles the rest of our lives, I want this to be something you pursue."
He won't let me quit, and I love him dearly for it. He has helped revive not just my passion for art, but the desire to do something more with it, to make it grow into something I share openly with my friends, and that they will in turn share with theirs. Every day I am plagued with anxiety, doubt and questioning, wondering if I could ever actually get my craft focused and refined to the point it could be a sustaining source of income. I'm still a long ways away from having any kind on consistent brand or business plan, and I'm still not sure if I actually believe I could ever make a "living" off of my artwork, but he sure does!
He's openly told people about my crafts when I would rather stay quiet, too afraid to talk about it it in case other people don't believe in me or think my passion is stupid. And sometimes they don't. Sometimes they respond to his statements with "oh, that's nice" or don't acknowledge that they heard what he said, and of course that stings a bit, but it never deters him. Watching him continue to talk and boast about my artwork to others, regardless of their reactions, and to constantly encourage me regardless of the circumstances, it's helped light a flame inside me, a flame that tells me to ignore how outsiders react, or how many likes or Instagram followers I gain, and instead just push forward with my passions, and to never give up, no matter how long it's been since my last Etsy sale, or my last Pinterest update.
He's my biggest fan, and I am his, and I wouldn't still be here working on my someday "art business" if it wasn't for him.
Have you ever found an unexpected source of encouragement in a situation you almost just gave up on? I'd love to hear your stories too!
