Writing is typically a solitary journey, but it becomes even more so when you are surrounded by people who do not understand or support your creative efforts. This is not uncommon for aspiring writers, and it applies to singers and artists of all kinds as well. You may encounter everything from condescension (“It’s nice that you have a little hobby”) to open negativity (“Who would want to read something you’ve written?” or “How do you expect to pay the bills by writing stories?”).

There are many possible explanations for these attitudes. Some people are simply jealous, even if they can’t admit it, while others just can’t comprehend the profound inner satisfaction that comes from expressing yourself in an artistic form.

What’s interesting is that everyone seems to think they can advise you, as if A) they were successful scientists, writers, or singers, and B) as if they have accomplished more in life than you have.

But this tendency to offer heavy-handed advice supports the thesis of a certain Dr. Julien Feinstein, whom I recently read about in a magazine that said, “The world is divided between positive people (who expect to win) and negative people (who expect to be right). Since most ventures fail, the easiest way to be right is to be negative.”

The fact remains that whatever the motivations behind these comments or their absence may be (how many of you have sent your “artistic creations” to relatives and friends who can’t even find five minutes of their time to read, listen, or watch, let alone leave a comment? I’m sure I’m not the only one in this situation), it damages the artistic spirit of those who “give it a try.”

It creates real existential problems and often makes you think that “a friend like that might not really be a friend” – they suddenly become mere acquaintances, nothing more. And it’s very sad and depressing.

There’s no doubt that when positive feedback is lacking, or when you constantly receive negativity, always finding faults instead of support, your creative energy withers and fades.

Let’s not hide from it – writing, singing, painting, creating a video, or taking a decent photograph is inherently difficult. Very difficult, even without the negativity that plagues those trying to break free from the ordinary and the banal.

You don’t need a chorus of fans; at least one person would suffice. If you have at least one person standing by your side, encouraging you, the solution is to focus on that person. Relegate others to a secondary role, ignore them, whether they are friends or even close relatives.

I’ll give you a personal example. I have websites and social media profiles where I post many of my photos and writings, or where I sell my products online. I’m sure that many of the people I know very well, very, very well, see what I write or post every day. I know this not only by intuition but because that’s how the online world works; you can see who reads your work or views your photos. Well, for years and years, not a single word of support, just a heavy silence that often feels like condemnation.

In conclusion, the artist’s journey is often solitary and full of challenges, but these challenges become even more daunting when enthusiasm and support from others are lacking or simply absent. Creativity is a vital force, a form of expression that should be encouraged and nurtured, not stifled by negativity or indifference.

The opinions of others, especially when it comes to those who do not fully understand your creative path, should not determine the value or validity of your work. As an artist, it is crucial to find at least one person, even just one, who believes in you, supports you, and inspires you when it seems like everything is against you.

In this increasingly connected world, people can easily see what you create as never before. But remember, it’s not the number of views or likes that truly matter, but the meaning and passion you put into your work.

Even though seeing 100 likes on a poorly taken photo of an artichoke is disheartening when you’ve posted a photo that may have been published in The New York Times but only has 4/5 likes.

You come back to the initial problem: do they really not understand the difference? Or are they just jealous of what you do?

Either way, through ups and downs, I’ve always tried not to let silence or criticism deter me from my creative calling.

So I say to others as well: ignore and move forward.

Keep creating, writing, singing, painting, capturing images, expressing yourself in the way that ignites your passion. Be the guardian of your art and never stop seeking that authentic connection with those who truly appreciate and understand your talent. In the pursuit of your passion, you will find not only deep personal satisfaction but also the opportunity to inspire others and bring beauty to a world often in need of it, where people are slaves to fleeting appearances and fail to understand what they are missing.