(Selected because I think it will help some of you ((and because it made me happy))
Dear Ms. Sher,
I'm sure you're used to messages like this, but I'll send mine anyway: your book, "I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was" completely changed my life for the better. (most of this message is also posted on the bulletin board.)
After years of very expensive art education I became what I was always shooting for: a practicing, exhibiting fine artist. My paintings were selling, and I got to spend almost all my time doing nothing but making any kind of fine art I wanted. In the cutthroat art market, my work was recieving favorable criticism, and I was making a real name for myself. After about six months of this, I was totally miserable.
How embarrassing, dissappointing, and above all confusing. "Doesn't everyone dream of becoming a fine artist?" I thought. I reluctantly began reading your book, which had been sitting on the shelf for years. Immediately I recognized my story. How validating!
I wrote a list of all the qualities of a "dream job", and to my great suprise, I found that working with children was high on the list. This was strange, because I had always been just terrible with children. All of my family and friends more or less agreed. Also, working with kids was never particularly valued either in my family or in art school. The general attitude seemed to be, "those who can't, teach."
Still, I kept that attribute on the list, along with several others, and, while no career came to mind immediately, I left the list on my desk at home and spent a few minutes each day just reading it over and staring at it. Two weeks later, all at once, it hit me. I wanted to teach art to children. Why it had not occurred to me sooner? How obvious! The book had helped me to become aware of the resistances that were making me think that a career like this couldn't be "good enough."
After that, everything just fell into place. Within another two weeks I had a job as the lead teacher at an art studio for kids. I had never had so much fun in my life, and the kids just loved me! Enrollment at that studio hit an all time high under my leadership, and almost never did I feel like I was "at work".
After less than one year, I became a partner with the company that hired me as a teacher, and now I run my own new studio, of which I am half owner. Today, the studio is thriving, and several times a week people come to me with thanks for bringing art to their community, and for the self-esteem and fulfillment we have brought their children.
After 9-11, most things in life didn't seem to make sense anymore. I went through a few days just going through the motions. But it didn't take long to realize that the service we were providing really provided strength, security and hope for the children and their families. Just being a presence in their lives and providing continuity was a way for all of us to go on. Making that small contribution really helped me to get through. I had no idea this could have had such an effect. There is just no substitute for living life with a sense of purpose.
Ms. Sher, thank you so, so, much for your leadership and guidance. I really do credit your book with this transformation, and have recommended it dozens of times. Thank you, thank you, thank you. HK