As children, we were taught not to brag. If you were shy or demure, it’s not like bragging would be a part of your everyday charm anyway. I get that no one wants to hear you if your attitude is one of being ‘one-up’ on someone else. That is belittling and often degrading. But when you are working towards your dreams and passions, sometimes you need to toot your own horn a little.

It can be scary putting yourself out there and letting others in on your dream. That’s your baby, you don’t want people criticizing and pooh-poohing your ideas and endeavors. But I hope you have a tribe of supportive and lovely people in your corner. You can let these ones know what you’re doing. Invite their opinions and maybe ask if they would share your work with others to help get the word out. It’s part of the work needed to get you and your dream where you want to be. And when your confidence begins to build, share more widely and freely. Because frankly, people are going to criticize and judge regardless of what you’re doing. It’s human nature and we do seem to enjoy such petty things at times. So you may as well be criticized for following and achieving your dreams since you’ll discover sometimes that people are going to be finding fault with you anyway. The satisfaction comes in doing what you love and finding whatever measure of success you were reaching for, whether it’s fame and fortune or just to brighten your little corner of the world.

Aim high and if you miss the moon, at least you’ll land in the stars. You have no idea what is possible for you until you try!