I was really good at art in high school and up to my late 20's. Then I got married, had a kid and priorities changed. I was also really good at tying flies.

I picked up a pen not to long ago and my hand was like "What am I supposed to do?" I could conceptually know what I wanted to do, but just couldn't get it done. It stunk.

I can still sit down at the vise and crank out simple flies, but not the more detailed flies I used to tie.

It's almost as though my brain has just shut off when it comes to certain things.

chill , it's not a competition it's a marriage.

I'm sure Chuck doesn't think any less of you because he got good at some things , probably pays it no thought at all because he isn't competing in his mind like you are in yours, so quit over thinking it , and relax.

Cool post !

Yeah isn’t that weird? I think we all try to define ourselves too much.
Even as a vet tech, I have a tendency to compare myself to colleagues, whereas my role there really has changed to more communications and probably less technician stuff. I still pursue continuing education and enjoy learning but mentally I feel like I cannot advance a whole lot.
Even in day to day life, I used to be able to handle and juggle a whole lot more, especially when we had nine pets and my stepdaughters were still living at home.


This isn’t a “woe is me” thread by any means, just thoughtful embracing of change!

Our perceptions are often a false reality we think of ourselves. The most successful and complete people we encounter are usually very self aware of themselves and have a true knowledge of who they are and what they contribute to others. I personally fell into that years ago. Always felt is was most productive to be the best at driving a square peg through a round hole. My self awareness increased over the years and I grew to understand much more about how my traits can be more beneficial to others when I gave my strengths and withheld what didn't help others. I began to look at my wife, friends, and coworkers differently and stopped criticizing their "weaknesses". I focused more on how to match our personalities to bring out the best in us all. One of the first things I found was how much satisfaction I had in helping others succeed in anything they wanted to do. Amazing how fast that became a two way street. Made me a much better husband and friend. Additionally, I see how much more my friends help me achieve my goals. Sometimes its much better to give of yourself. The benefits are way beyond what you can achieve by yourself

Speak your mind but always be honest and only deal with honest folks then your life is much easier. Nothing I won’t walk away from if it threatens my peace, drama and lies are not for me I just don’t deal in it. I’m kind to people and in return they have been kind to me in return mostly but I expected nothing in return anyway so no disappointments then.

Trying to be everything to everyone would be stressful and exhausting. I try to accept people for who they are but if I find myself working the hardest to make things work or not being respected I’m gone. Outright disrespect towards me and you’re dead to me that’s it you’re done.

Life is too short to live it badly you see examples of sad and unhappy people that love to spread their misery in every way possible every day don’t get sucked into it every time distance yourself from it.

That is good. Others have made great points also.

Ashley, talents encompass many subjects. Not just a pencil and paper, and a BIG eraser

Even along those lines, (pun intended), I always encourage people to just HAVE FUN. Don't compare, don't compete. That's actually good to develop one's own unique style , anyway, and not accidentally beginning to copy another's style.

I like your settling into who you are, in being aware of having happiness for others successes. Like any instructor, or mentor, being so proud of their student who becomes very good at their skill.

Guess what...you're still pretty darn good in your art. If you choose to pick it up again, you'll take right up where you left off. A deposit in your bank of life.

It's great to hear Chuck is enjoying his music.

I don't read music either, but have been a singer and professional musician for some decades. All done by ear.

That's the beauty of what you do, too . It's all art. Just different levels of it.

My good friend, one of the best violinists in the country, told me , " Once your fun hobby becomes a career, it becomes WORK, and not fun". He was right. Having as a career in art isn't all it's cracked up to be. You sweat in every detail, hoping your client or editor will be happy . You worry and fret over some things. Other subjects are far from what you'd LIKE to do, but have to do anyway. That saying of only working under inspiration flies out the window. On the other hand, there are jobs that are a joy and you '"zen out" in the details and smile at a job well done.

What you are enjoying is a reward for maturity in being self-aware, seeing beneath the surface in discernment . Knowing who you will not tolerate, and who you love to encourage. Like Jerry said, I will always be kind and encouraging to anyone, unless they take things for granted, or try to trample on your life in drama , dysfunctional , negativity, never apologizing, taking from you but giving little or nothing back in return.

Enjoy having things in common with Chuck, and also things you like to do on your own. They both are fun . He gets his fun by building those neat shops and places that you enjoy to use. That is his reward.

The older some of us become, the easier it is to see where our boundaries in respect are set. No one should behave in judgmental , bossy ways , putting their version of self-righteousness on anyone else. A good "leader" in any subject, will not behave that way , but will take the lead in being encouraging.

Glad to see you are happy in enjoying other's successes, which makes you happy too. A good thread, Ashley.

Lyme's disease.

Moosetrot

Figured out who I was about 3 months into a nine month solo stint in the bush of western Alaska. A looooong time ago.

I’d love to hear some of your tales!