Dear Nikkole:

You are welcome and thank you for your words  of appreciation. Now that I have a pretty good understanding of you in the context of this thread, I figure it can be helpful that you post again and again, anytime you’d like, I can continue to listen to you,  understand more, and share my developing understanding with you.

Regarding “I  like to create things, be expressive, and imaginative. And maybe one day, I’ll finally let that side of me out again”- let this side of you out now. Not in an earth shattering way, that is, in a way that  will bring you wealth and fame, worldwide recognition… or even a recognition in your home or the place where you live. But in small ways. If you forget the recognition  part and the  idea that  your creativity needs to  mean financial security, then this creative part can come alive and surprise you with new motivation.

anita