No One Else

"Do not think you can be brave with your life and
your work and never disappoint anyone. It doesn't work that way." - Oprah

If you spent years of your life pursing a particular path, then no one else should care about your passion as much as you do - otherwise, it would be their path, too! The sacrifices you have or will make to reach your goal should not be understood by other people simply because they have their own set of goals to pursue. People are often disappointed not because you did something wrong, but that you did something that doesn't match their personal standards. It often has nothing to do with you.

Your partner, your friends, your family and even the public at large may praise what you are doing, but do not mistake that for them understanding what you are doing. Accept that the work you put in will often be invisible to even your biggest supporters and you'll save yourself from disappointment for both yourself and others. It's your dream; not somebody else's. Waiting for a cosign usually yields disappointment, as not everyone can or should get your intention as much as you do.

- Adapted from Braving the Wilderness:
The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
by Brene Brown