There’s a member of my family who consistently doubts my choices, path, and vision.
It’s a stark comparison to the encouragement I feel from most of my family and friends. When you’re chasing your dreams, support is something you need most. That grace-filled, faithful foundation is what keeps me going on rough days where quitting seems attractive.
This particular family member has started many, many conversations about my dream of being a director. She’s known me my whole life. So I always assume that her questions come from a place of love. She’s probably looking out for me.
But her questions used to cause hurt, doubt, and fear. I used to avoid or change the conversations as much as I could. It always made me want to crumble – even though I have faith that filmmaking is undoubtedly my path.
It occurred to me recently – after yet another one of our intense conversations – that it’s no longer my job to convince her that this is the right path. It’s no longer my job to share or explain my life vision. It’s no longer my job. Period.
I quit.
Perhaps, instead, it’s my job to be so dedicated to the dream and relentless in pursuing the vision, that every one of those doubters will convince themselves that they were wrong to doubt.
Perhaps it’s my job to be so good at what I do, that you can’t ignore me. Even if I’m an outsider. Even if the deck is seemingly stacked against me because I live in the wrong place, want to tell stories that aren’t mainstream, or because I’m a woman. Even if no doors are opened for me, and I have to create my own opportunities for the rest of my life.
Perhaps it’s my job to keep going, keep believing, and keep improving.
One thing is certain. I don’t have the time to waste on doubters. There’s too much work to do.