“I AM MY BROTHERS KEEPER”

                                     

                                        OVERCOMING LACKLUSTER SUPPORT

 

 

            I am my brother’s keeper, not only is backed up biblically but speaks for the importance of having a family as a backup. Or you would think so, but not the case for every situation.

 

            I read an interview today for a fellow author, Wendy Waters; shout out to her and books, Catch The Moon Mary & Fields Of Grace, both available at Amazon.com. In the interview, she shared the lack of family support, and I couldn‘t agree more. Also why, I felt it necessary to address this issue.

 

            It pains me to share the truth of reality, but if I‘m honest and try to be, let's address the elephant in the room.

 

First, I need to acknowledge that Independence has its advantages and drawbacks. On the plus side, you are the CEO of your operation, the shot caller. You chose independence not because you couldn’t hack it on a traditional plane. But because you wanted to do it your way. That’s alright and commendable on many levels.

 

However, no one is an island, and support is helpful if not welcomed. And why on the sea of independence, the ship's captain needs help from his crew.

 

You would think those you rely on most would support you without question. But, sometimes family have a different definition of what that means. Not that I expect them to, but wouldn‘t it be nice to know they share your expectations for success.

 

If I can be completely transparent for a moment, although the intent isn‘t explicitly focused on me, again, maybe it is. In which case, I need to say and hope I speak for all the underrepresented artists out there how unfair it is to have those you love most undersupport your interest and accomplishments.

 

Oh sure, they make appearances at events, always sure to be captured in photo-ops. But when the shine wears off and no longer sparkles, the enthusiasm wears off too. So I won`t call out anyone specifically, but you know who you are. And as a result, ruffle a few feathers in the process, so be it.

 

Although, it is not an opportunity to bash unsupportive family members over the head. Simply an acknowledgment of how that makes you feel. And may I also add the disclaimer that the family has no legal obligation, responsibility to promote, announce, or share any related info about you or your work in any way. It is entirely voluntary. But thank you for the faithful few, friends included, who go the extra mile in support. You are a balm for my injured spirit.

 

Nevertheless, we depend on our family, friends, and those in our circle to strengthen our foundation for independence. Yet, for whatever reason, don’t show interest or refuse to help in any way.

 

How hard is it to like and share social media posts? Or spread the word about upcoming projects because that’s what families do or how it should be. Still, they fall short and seem to care less.

 

You go into this business thinking that if no one else cares about your success as an entrepreneur or artist, your family will support you no matter what. But it’s a bit of a rude awakening to discover that the ones who you thought unequivocally hold you down are the very ones holding out on you.

 

I have no explanation for why this is and the consensus of many independent authors who experience a lackluster show of support from family. However, if you were to survey how many independent authors share the absence of family support, the results would shock you—sad but true statistics.

 

Perhaps it’s jealousy, or a disconnection, which explains the dissociative reaction to what role families are supposed to play as silent partners but active participants.

 

 The solution isn’t to call out disinterested family members. Or bash them over the head for their less than exciting show of accomplishments for you.  After all, bipartisanship may not be a relative term outside of politics but wouldn’t it be nice to know you have a unified family support system just the same?

 

What we need is to find a happy medium. A world where the family works as a unit to help elevate success. It's a portrait of what it means to be my brother's keeper-have your back, especially when it’s against a wall.