At Least You Tried

You put yourself out into the world and you hope that someone likes what they encounter.  You hope but then you find yourself unsure.  This occurs in many areas of life - job interviews, dating, social events, you name it... you have to put yourself out there from time to time.

Granted, there is always the hermit option in life but that is a sad state of being that most of us simply could not handle.

And it is inevitable that some people will not like you.  Depending on the situation and your placement in that situation - there may be many people who don't like you.  It may be one person.  There are times when we simply don't care for others and there is no deeper reason.  You just do not like them and/or they just do not like you.  This is just the nature of humanity.  This is the nature of who we are as a collective whole.  You can't please everybody and you can't win everyone over - no matter how truly wonderful you really are.

If you're trying... you should just stop trying... it's never going to work.  You will be happier in the long run if you give it up earlier rather than later. 

Which does not mean NO ONE will like you.  There are plenty of people that will.  Plenty of people.  The problem is, at times, finding them.

Then there comes the issue of putting yourself out there in some other way.  Not just simply for showing up and desiring for a connection.  For some of us, it is something that is birthed from within (and I'm not talking babies here), something creative - something to add into the world with hopes that maybe the right eyes will see.  Maybe you will find your audience.  Maybe.

Failing to do so on the first try or the second try or even the one hundredth try does not mean they are not out there.  They are out there somewhere - and with just the right amount of searching, finding and creating both explored and unexplored pathways - you may very well find each other (ask anyone who has been dating for any length of time and finds someone to love - whether forever or not).  This, however, takes the first steps.  Small steps that could lead you somewhere bigger, somewhere new.  You could touch others but you have to reach out your hand first - sharing yourself and your creative endeavor (whether it's the painter displaying their first work or someone opening a new business - creativity is something that was not there but is now). 

People will not always love everything you do even if they love you and most of what you do.  (Even Tom Hanks has had a few stinkers.)  Putting your first foot out there, however, is important.  No matter what the reception to your work, which most people who have ever created will tell you is an extention of themselves, the fact is you have tried.  You may never make your million dollars from it but if it brings someone something - particularly something positive that they would not have had otherwise then you have done your job.  It would be unrealistic to say that this means rejection should not get to you... it does if you have heart... but allowing rejection to defeat you is what determines if you are forever lost inside your fear.

Step out and step up.  People may not always appreciate what you are sharing but often you will find at least those who appreciate the effort that it takes.