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Am I really supposed to persist with no support or audience for my work...?

personal enjoyment childhood activity contemplating giving up father's scolding meaning of work
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Am I really supposed to persist with no support or audience for my work...? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

It's an activity I personally enjoy, something I've been doing consistently since childhood. I was once scolded by my father for doing these things, claiming they had no meaning and that no one would appreciate my work... So I've been contemplating whether it's better to just give up.

Olivia Olivia A total of 6151 people have been helped

Good day, my name is Ting.

I can perceive that you are perplexed, as I once was, and thus I would be inclined to proffer my perspective.

Firstly, it is important to acknowledge your perseverance. The fact that you are still engaged with a hobby that is not widely recognised is a testament to your resilience, and it is commendable that you have sought guidance in navigating these challenges.

This is also noteworthy.

You have indicated that you have a hobby you prefer to other pastimes and that you have continued to pursue it since childhood. Despite encountering obstacles, including being advised by authority figures that it is futile and lacks appreciation, you have remained committed to your hobby. However, you have recently considered relinquishing it.

If one has held onto a dream or hobby for an extended period, it is likely that there are underlying factors influencing the decision to abandon it. It is possible that external circumstances or unforeseen events have contributed to this change in perspective. This is a challenging decision, and it is essential to identify the underlying reasons for this shift in priorities.

On the one hand, there are the practical considerations, and on the other, there are the aspirations. It is challenging to relinquish either.

1. Is there a way to reconcile one's interests with the practical realities of the situation?

2. What benefits do you derive from your preferred pastime? If you were to assign a rating on a scale of 0 to 10, how would you evaluate it?

3. Has anyone ever offered praise for your hobbies or your work? If so, how did they offer praise?

Please describe the ways in which these compliments have assisted you in persevering with your dream.

4. How did you demonstrate courage in the face of a lack of recognition?

5. Would you consider relinquishing this pursuit in order to attain a different objective? If so, would the attainment of that objective be truly feasible in the absence of this pursuit?

It is also possible to resume one's current hobby once a goal has been achieved. Is this a contradictory proposition?

It is my sincere hope that you will find happiness and success in achieving your goals.

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Xavier Xavier A total of 8606 people have been helped

The answer to this question depends on how the questioner views and treats the matter. Having hobbies is a beneficial activity, and it is not easy to be able to keep doing them. It depends on the specific situation if the individual wants to make hobbies their main focus. The development of hobbies requires support from real life, such as financial support, time support, energy support, etc., which can bring the individual a stable and sufficient income, or it is irrelevant if the individual does not work. With this kind of support, the individual can focus on their hobbies without worry. It is likely that the individual's family will not object to this situation.

In the absence of the requisite conditions for the development of hobbies, including adequate nutrition and shelter, it is challenging to envisage how such activities could be pursued. Without the necessary prerequisites in place, it is not feasible to pursue these pastimes. Even if there is a strong inclination towards such activities and a willingness to engage in them, the presence of familial opposition and a lack of familial support can impede progress. It is therefore prudent to prioritise the basic necessities of survival and the provision of sufficient conditions to support one's fundamental needs before embarking on the pursuit of hobbies.

The likelihood of readers engaging with a particular work is contingent upon the ability of the subject, style, and content to capture their interest and the perceived necessity of the work in question. It is important to note that the creation of a work does not inherently guarantee its readership or popularity. Similarly, the act of reading and appreciation does not necessarily lead to the creation of similar works. The probability of a work being read and liked by readers is contingent upon its intrinsic quality and the perceived necessity of the work in question.

If the reader is unable to read the work with confidence and does not find it necessary, it is unlikely that anyone will be inclined to read it. Should one cease creating as a result, it would appear that this is not a matter pertaining to hobbies. Hobbies originate from within the individual and are pursued with one's own positive subjective intent, and thus have no bearing on whether or not they are recognized by others.

One's decision to persevere or abandon a pursuit hinges on one's motivation. If the aim is to derive pleasure from the process itself, then one is free to choose how to proceed and can naturally and confidently enjoy the process, thereby gaining inner satisfaction. However, if the concern is to align with the expectations of others, then one must cede control of the pursuit to those expectations. This can lead to a loss of inner satisfaction and a sense of unease, potentially leading to a decision to abandon the pursuit.

If one is concerned with the opinions of others, it is akin to relinquishing the active control of one's interests and hobbies to external influences. This can lead to a loss of inner satisfaction, which may result in feelings of discomfort and distress. It can also lead to a sense of futility and a desire to abandon one's pursuits. Consequently, the decision to persevere or not is a personal choice that the original poster must make for themselves. The aforementioned opinions are solely for the original poster's consideration.

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Thomas Thomas A total of 7332 people have been helped

I am grateful for your invitation.

From the limited information provided in the initial question, it is evident that you are facing a dilemma. On one hand, you have a long-standing hobby that you have been persisting with for many years. However, on the other hand, you are confronted with an internal voice that is urging you to give up. It is a situation that many individuals would find challenging to navigate.

Furthermore, even if you persevere on your own, you will still feel uncomfortable because the environment around you lacks the presence of individuals who can provide positive feedback. It is challenging to obtain an objective evaluation of your performance and whether you are meeting expectations. An environment without feedback is isolating and devoid of stimulation.

The questioner's situation brings to mind a topic related to "vitality." According to self-psychology research, the "narcissistic need" to be affirmed and appreciated is a basic need for a person throughout their lives. It is the "psychological oxygen" necessary for the survival of the mind.

It is therefore evident that individuals who reside in a positive environment that fosters growth (i.e., an environment where they frequently receive recognition and appreciation from others) are able to obtain the psychological nourishment they require. Conversely, when we receive negative feedback regarding activities we enjoy, we experience a form of internal malnourishment. Over time, even if we initially had a strong desire to pursue these activities, we may gradually lose interest.

It is important to consider that if an individual lacks interest or motivation to continue pursuing a task they enjoy, it may have a negative impact on their overall vitality.

I would like to express that a friendly environment that is affirmed and appreciated is of great importance in promoting vitality and self-confidence. In return, I would like to ask the questioner if they are confident enough to persevere.

Please indicate whether you still feel energized when engaging in activities you enjoy.

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Juliette Nguyen Juliette Nguyen A total of 3939 people have been helped

From your description, it is evident that you are experiencing a sense of internal conflict and a lack of self-efficacy.

As a counselor, I would like to discuss my understanding from a psychological perspective.

The issue at hand is that I have a fondness for these hobbies and have engaged in them in succession since childhood. My father once admonished me for pursuing these activities, asserting that they are devoid of merit and that my work is of no consequence. In light of this, I am contemplating whether it would be more prudent to abandon these pursuits.

As a child, you possessed your own ideas and demonstrated persistence. However, your father did not recognize these attributes or comprehend their significance. Consequently, it is essential to focus on self-reflection, cultivate self-love, and nurture an inner strength.

What are the key factors that contribute to the development of a strong and stable personality?

The initial step is to gain an understanding of one's own character. What are the defining traits that shape one's personality?

What was the nature of your relationship with your parents during your formative years? This inquiry focuses on the father's disciplinary actions, yet it would be beneficial to gain insight into the mother's role as well.

In the absence of such recognition from one's parents, it is possible to retain this aspiration and persevere. Upon reaching the age of 18 and attaining independence, one may inform one's father, "I can do it!"

Secondly, it is important to accept oneself. What are your interests and hobbies?

The works you are inclined to pursue may be artistic, craft-related, or otherwise aligned with your personal interests. It is important to recognize that everyone possesses both strengths and weaknesses. Currently, your efforts may not be fully recognized or affirmed, but your persistence and dedication to improving your work are commendable. It is essential to accept your limitations, learn to express your thoughts and emotions, seek guidance from relevant resources (such as parents, educators, or close friends), enhance your inner strength, and persevere.

Thirdly, it is important to learn to pay attention to one's own thoughts and feelings. When external evaluations are turned inward and one engages in activities that one finds enjoyable, a sense of internal joy and happiness is experienced, which provides a sense of comfort. However, when external pressure and conflict arise, it is also crucial to pay attention to one's thoughts and feelings, communicate with others, and learn to release pressure (through activities such as listening to music, exercising, eating well, reading, etc.) in order to relieve anxiety and develop into a strong and stable individual.

One must recognize that the world and I love you. It is imperative to learn to love yourself.

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Comments

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Caleb Anderson Growth is not just about adding years to your life, but life to your years.

I can totally relate to feeling discouraged when someone close doesn't understand your passion. It's tough, but maybe it's not about others' recognition but the joy you get from it.

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Bronwen Jackson Forgiveness is a way to see the humanity in others and in ourselves.

Sometimes the activities we love are more about personal growth than external validation. Your father might not see it now, but what you do could become incredibly meaningful over time.

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Garcia Davis I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.

It's heartbreaking when those we look up to don't support our interests. But remember, what matters is if you're happy with what you're doing. Don't let anyone dim your light.

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Efrain Jackson Be sincere in your thoughts, and you will be sincere in your actions.

Every hobby has its own value, even if it's not obvious to everyone around us. What you enjoy doing can be a valuable part of who you are and can shape your life in unexpected ways.

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Montgomery Miller The more we learn, the more we can communicate effectively with others.

I know it feels hard right now, especially with criticism from home. But consider this: every artist, creator, or innovator faced skepticism at some point. Keep going for the love of it.

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