Bloom Where You're Needed

Bloom where you're planted.  Many creatives have been given that word of encouragement when they've been searching for a different, and often bigger, platform from which to display their art.  I've spoken with many a songwriter who is longing for the day when their songs get discovered by a publisher who unleashes them to the masses, resulting in notoriety and financial gain.  Sorry, folks.  It doesn't always happen that way. It can, but those kinds of stories are few and far between and getting fewer and farther.  

Why is it, that when an artist seeks out the advice of someone who has had more so-called success than they have, all too often those people seem to think it's good advice to tell them to just sit tight and do whatever it is you do right where you are?  I certainly understand the phrase "bloom where you're planted," but I think it might cause people to be a bit complacent and possibly more frustrated than they need to be.  

As I see it, there are opportunities to serve through our art everywhere you look.  But it might take some effort.  It might take offering your art to someone who has nothing to give you in return.  It might mean asking questions and knocking on doors, but not for any benefit of your own.  Only for the good of those who need what you have to offer; and I know you offer something of great value.  Something beautiful, meaningful, and worthwhile.  

Believe me, I'm as frustrated as the next person when it comes to wishing I could actually make a living at what I do.  But my days of whining about it are over.  Okay, maybe not completely over, but I'm trying.  Instead, I'm going to feed and water my own creative soul and then find somewhere to plant myself where I can do somebody some good.  Sounds pretty close to the definition of a win-win to me.