Who Do You Turn To?

by Judy

Who do you turn to...when doubt creeps in?  When you begin to question yourself? When you say "Am I good enough?"

More than any other time, over the course of this past year I've worked really hard at being a photographer. At growing, learning, and improving as a photographer.  At calling myself a photographer. At telling others that I'm a photographer.  I thought I had it down.  I thought that I was believing it.  I thought that I was living it.. But then doubt crept in. 

I've really put myself out there this year in many ways - ways that have frightened me, excited me, and pushed me way beyond my comfort zone.   My mantra this year has been, "I'm going to try. All they can do is say no."

So why has doubt crept in?  Recently one of my photos was chosen by a jury of photographers and gallery owners to be part of a two month long showing in a gallery near here. Some of you photographers and artists reading this have probably had the same excitement - and probably more than once. But for me, this is my first juried show.  

I made it into the show, so again, why all the doubt talk?  As I worked to have my print carefully matted and framed, I kept looking at my photo and wondering if it was going to stand up to the caliber of the other artist's work. Am I good enough? Is my work good enough?  

And then you know what? Just as my doubts were at their highest, our Focusing on Life sister, Dotti, wrote her post this week. She said so many wonderful things about all of our FOL sisters - and her comments about my photography were exactly what I needed to hear at the exact time I needed to hear them! And you know what else?  All of our FOL sisters are exactly like that.  We all try to support and encourage one another on our different paths.  

So you see, this post really isn't about the art show.  It's about finding those people in your life who pick you up. Who get you and who support you.  And no matter what you may be doubting yourself for from time to time, it's important for you to seek out those people.  

Without sounding too corny, I know I can speak for all of my FOL sisters here in saying, we get that same feeling from all of you. When we sometimes wonder if our posts are just floating out there in cyberspace....when we hope beyond hope that our words will make a difference for someone that day.... when we wonder if we're inspiring anyone as we journey through this.... that's when we receive all of your wonderful, and thoughtful, comments. Your kind words really make a difference, and give us that boost we all need to continue on with this wonderful project of ours. 

Who do you turn to?