I MUST say a few things. Great & clear cut piece. The first thing that grabbed me was your style. So similar to mine - straight forward, no filter, engaging (without needing a Thesaurus at my side). Next, were the “spot on points” you made. I was a Stand-Up Comic for over 30 years & as great as I was, it took over 10 years to make enough to support my family - with some credit use & p/t shit jobs when I needed to. When COVID shut down live entertainment, I revisited my first love, writing. I grew better with each weekly blog post - memoirs, as it were. Then I stopped. I grew tired of chasing yet another artistic road, after about 6 months. At 52, I couldn’t imagine TRYING all over again to gain attention (followers/readers/publications). I’m a fool! I’ve picked it up again, but I’m right NOW too eager (age & 3 mouths to feed) to find a shortcut to income & praise. Therefore, I’m missing my unique edge & POV. Maybe your words were a stark reminder of the patience & faith that I “must” have. I sure hope so. Thank you! I’m at crookedviews.medium.com if you ever want to read some of my work.