So glad to see you girls back in action! What a wonderful first video - look forward to seeing the rest

Thank you, Ben! I thought you may post since we did discuss you for about 5 minutes!!

I feel so fortunate to have a husband who believes in me and in my capabilities wholeheartedly. Previously, I was in a relationship in which this wasn't the case, and the difference, emotionally, is immeasurable. What I have to remember is to give him the opportunity to be supportive. Sometimes I'm so rushed that I don't take the time to bring him up to date on what's going on or what I'm going through, and this is critical if I then expect him to understand when I hit a wall.

I'm also learning to ask for help -- from my husband and others -- when I need it, although I still find that hard. I'm an only child, and I've always been a fairly independent and self-reliant individual, so not being able to do it all myself has, in the past, felt a bit like failing. I'm changing, in part because there are some areas of my life in which I absolutely, positively CANNOT do it all myself (at least not without having a nervous breakdown in the process). And I also am learning to ask for SPECIFIC help, rather than expect people to intuit what it is that they can do. As you've expressed at one point or another in your communications, those of us who are Type As or otherwise overachievers, need to be particularly aware of these issues, otherwise we risk being overwhelmed.

P.S. The 'Practice Kindness Windowcards' are such a smart idea! Keeping fingers crossed.

Hi Clara,

Thank you for your insightful comment! I think you are totally right on. The more I myself start to ask for specific help, the better I am at getting and receiving it.

You sound incredibly lucky!

Have a great day,
Jess!

You guys crack me up---I totally identify with what you were saying about getting a more "passive" support from your husband/significant other. I definitely feel that way---my husband is there for me, but I can sometimes see his eyes glaze over when I start analyzing different types of paper, or listing the million things that are happening. He is willing to help when I need it, but his personality is not one that picks up that need before it's stated. It is interesting how one of you said that your husband doesn't love you because of what you do---I definitely feel that---my husband just wants me to be happy, no matter what I do. I think that is a very positive unconditional thing, but sometimes it would be fun to have him take a more active interest. To round this out though---I'm lucky that he has been so supportive and encouraged me to take risks that put him at stake (as in quitting my day job to do art).

I thought that it was an incredibly touching moment when you all started to cite one another as support systems; the Internet does amazing things, doesn't it? I've felt the same way about the friends I've made through the Internet, and it's great to hear that sentiment echoed by others as the world grows smaller and smaller.

The video had trouble loading for me as well. From what I was able to watch though, it definitely got me thinking about the support I have in my life. I agree with Meggy that it was touching when you guys were talking about the support you have in each other. It's so great how we can now find creative, like-minded people all over the world and even create together without having met! Thanks for sharing and I look forward to future episodes!

Just wanted to let you girls know that I think this is an awesome idea and I am already inspired! Can't wait until the next video. =)

I think this is a really important thing for people to take an inventory of--what support do I need and who gives me support? It can make us aware of gaps and of places where we might be taking someone for granted.
I definitely have some wishing for an in-person support group of creative types, but also consider myself very lucky for the online support I have, plus my friends and husband who take an interest in my art. Honestly, I don't know how people do it without the support of their spouse--I can't imagine being with someone who was dismissive of or belittled my creativity. Instead, my husband of 8 (ack!) years has been a huge cheerleader of my creative exploration and of giving me the space and time necessary to make things and find my voice. Plus, he always has something nice to say when I arrive out of the studio, paint smeared and with some new treasure in my hands!
I think an in-person support network of creative folk would be both educational and therapeutic--people who empathize with your experiences and may also have guidance to offer. Plus, I think we would be able to challenge each other a bit and collaborate (eg, how do a perfumer, a knitter, an artist, and a poet all interpret a single theme?). I'm still working toward identifying these people in my community and getting some sort of group together, but it has not been a fast or easy process!