Dear Daniel Wong Ching Kiong:

You are welcome. Since I was correct, I will proceed.

Part 1 of this post, Reality as I understand it to be:

Many people, especially children, teenagers and young adults dream of being very successful in life in terms of money and prestige. Many dream of being rich-and-famous. As a matter of fact, in early childhood, such dreams seem very achievable, very possible. The child’s thinking is quite magical: all seems possible and the future seems promising.

When a child suffers from lack of adequate attention from parents, the child craves attention and often imagines that in the future, maybe the whole world will pay attention to him, applauding, recognizing his value. Maybe the greater the lack in childhood, the bigger the dreams of plenty in the future.

Of the millions of children and young adults who dream big, only a few achieve the life of the rich-and-famous.

There are many artists, such as musicians, who have great talent and yet are not rich and famous, not even close. On the other hand, there are artists who are less talented who are rich and famous. The way to this kind of success is not only about talent, but about perseverance, effective functioning (doing what works, learning what works better and proceeding), and luck (being in the right place at the right time.

Many who have achieved wealth and fame are miserable, or have been miserable enough to end their lives (examples are plenty).

Part 2, my suggestions to you:

If you agree with part 1, hold those in mind, accept them. If you are not sure, research yourself, find out- is what I wrote above real?

As you understand reality to be what it is, you will be less anxious, less paralyzed, more energetic and more effective. It is for your benefit to understand and accept reality.

And so, the statistical chances are that you will not be rich and famous. Possible, but not statistically likely. When you express yourself in art, do express yourself, because authentic expression may very well be the only benefit you get from doing your art.

As long as you have in mind that your art needs to bring you wealth and fame (or any amount of money), that will “rain on your parade” of authentic expression. And without authentic expression, what is there to art?

Be practical about your life: you have to make money, get a job. Not one that will endanger your health (the one you quit), but one that is reasonable. Instead of holding it in contrast of your big dream, focus on what it is, seeing the challenges in it, the opportunity for you to learn and develop. Notice this: no opportunity is too small to use for learning and developing. Use every one.

As long as you overlook the small opportunity because they pale in comparison to your dreams, you will not learn, you will not develop and you will be less likely to achieve the big dream. In fact, you distance from good-enough living (making just enough money to live comfortably) will be greater.

I hope you post again with your thoughts/ feelings. I will reply if you do.

anita