This was a post from one of my Dear Sally Columns I used to write for my ezine.

Dear Sally,

How do I get support from my family for my creative outlets or things that I want to do?

Signed,

Support Needed

Dear Support,

It can be frustrating to feel like you are taking care of your family and home, and everybodys needs but your own.

Sometimes it’s our own assumptions that get in the way of taking some time out for ourselves.

We might assume that our spouse or partner or kids would be upset if we take a night off to take a class or work on a project, without even asking them.

Have you told them how important it is to you?

If someone knows that pursuing your interest(s) would make you happier, most of the time, they will want to help you make that possible.

Other times, it is simply a matter of logistics.

Like figuring out who will take care of the kids or make dinner, etc.

See if you can sit down and brainstorm some ideas and work out a deal that works for everyone. For example, maybe you pick up a take out dinner one evening a week so you don’t have to cook or clean that night. Or let someone else take over your duties for a night or you could trade duties. Or what if you trade watching the kids or some errands with a neighbor.

If you look at your routines, is there something that can be eliminated or reduced?

What if you held a family meeting to explain what you want and ask for their help in coming up with some solutions?

Sally

Also check out a related post on Creating A Personal Community.

Chinese Geese by Beth Parker http://bethparkerart.wordpress.com

Do you have your own personal community of kindred spirits who support and encourage you?

Do you surround yourself with people that you have a mutual admiration and connection with or do you do it all by yourself?

Many of us may live in crowded cities and towns but remain isolated in our daily lives.

Whether you are working at home or going to an office every day, you may find that you are lacking a deeper connection and interaction with others, especially those that share common bonds.

“A good friend is a connection to life- a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world” – Lois Wyse

It is important to seek each other out and to create your own personal community. They can help nurture and nourish you and serve your unique, individual needs as they change throughout your life.

It is unlikely that you will find one person that you share all the same feelings, opinions and aspects of your life.

You may have some people that you share your business expertise and concerns, your parenting tips and fears, or maybe your love of good food or mystery novels.

Sharing resources is just one benefit of creating your own community.

What is even more important is the feeling of belonging, truly connecting with others and making a difference for them and yourself.

It can be a real comfort to know you are not alone and to find out how someone else handled a similar situation.

Connecting with kindred spirits and others who we can give our support and encouragement and receive the same gift from them is an essential part of our human experience.

It can be a place where you feel safe and can talk about the things that are important to you.

With the ease of technology, we don’t even have to be in the same state or country to connect with others who share our interests, concerns, and passions in life.

What areas in your life do you need the compassion and connection with others? Where might you find them?

This is continuing the conversation in the series “Ten Reasons NOT to have what you want”.

You feel like you have to do it alone and that no one understands what you want or even why.

It is hard to accomplish things by yourself. Why? Because it takes discipline and dedication. It takes hard work.

Sometimes you don’t feel like you are getting appreciation for a job well done. You may thrive on getting a pat on the back and recognition.

Often your own family or friends don’t really understand your dreams or why you want to do them.

In their eyes, they may be trying to protect you from getting hurt or disappointed, but instead make you feel like you aren’t good enough so don’t bother trying.

It’s easy to get swayed and distracted and pulled in a different direction when your dreams are fragile.

The solution is to find your own circle of support. If you can make it easier, why not?

It is easier when you make a commitment to show up to do your work. It is easier to have like minded people who can help you through your challenges and help you celebrate your successes.

The beauty of our interconnected world is that even if you live in the middle of nowhere, if you can find an internet or phone connection, you can find support.

Here are a few ideas:

Find a friend who is trying something of their own

Find a discussion group with an internet search

Take a class

Find a coach

Start a mastermind group

Find or start a meet-up group in your area

You don’t have to be alone. Support is just a click away.