Most creatives battle with imposter syndrome, self doubt, and that nasty little voice that loves to convince us we’re no good.

We work, closeted away from friends and family, missing social engagements because of deadlines and the crippling need to just get it done.

We agonize over every detail, second guess ourselves, worry what others will think, or if anyone will even be bothered to look at what we’ve done.

One of the worst things I think we do, is listen to that nasty inner voice instead of the people who see what we’ve done, and tell us we’ve done it well.

It’s easier to believe ourselves. We say what we’re terrified others will, and if we get in first it won’t hurt as much, will it?

We give ourself a false sense of negative security. And we stop ourselves from truly believing in what we do, what we can do.

So listen to the people who tell you they love your work. Listen to family and friends who encourage because they want to see you succeed.

Listen to strangers who take the time to tell you your work touched them, changed them, or took them away for a bit.

Listen to the love people offer, hoard it like a dragon does gold, bring it out whenever that nast voice starts its lies, and please, please, be nice to yourself.

And as always, have fun.