Chapter 1: The Early Years of Imagination

As a young child, I was deeply in love with reading. Whenever I had a moment to spare, I would immerse myself in the pages of a book. I even mastered the art of reading while in a moving vehicle without feeling nauseous. Books accompanied me everywhere—at restaurants, between classes, and even during mundane tasks like brushing my teeth.

Eventually, I had exhausted my parents' collection of stories, each adventure drawing me in further. Despite their attempts to encourage me to engage with peers or take up sports, my focus remained steadfastly on the fictional realms I adored. The more time I spent with these imaginary characters, the more I found myself wanting to create my own worlds, leading to an obsession with writing and storytelling.

During this pivotal time in my pre-adolescent life, I was on the brink of self-discovery, grappling with the question that adults frequently posed: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As a child, the weight of that question felt immense, with my every answer scrutinized.

So, when I finally felt ready to share my ambition, I excitedly declared to my mother, “I want to be a writer.” This revelation felt like my truth, yet her response was disheartening: “There isn’t any money in writing.”

With that single comment, my enthusiasm was abruptly extinguished. I felt a part of my spirit break, realizing that my biggest advocate didn’t believe in my dream.

And I accepted her words without question, as one tends to do when it comes to parental wisdom.

Over time, I buried that dream, letting it fade until it was barely a flicker. When asked about my future aspirations, I would simply shrug and reply, “I don’t know yet.” I believed that if my mother doubted my potential, then surely others would too. I chose the safer path, eagerly seeking out hints from her about what constituted a ‘good’ career, like breadcrumbs leading me away from my true passion.

As I completed my Master’s in Forensic Psychology, I faced my first significant identity crisis. I had achieved what my mother envisioned for me, yet upon reaching that goal, I found myself at a loss. I had followed her prescribed path so closely that I was left without a clear direction of my own.

Returning to my home country, I quickly realized that opportunities in my field were scarce. Nevertheless, I was determined to make my degree count, networking tirelessly to find a niche where I could apply my skills, even if it meant writing professional reports instead of pursuing my true passion.

Now, as I prepare for a move to France with my family, I find myself reflecting on my career choices once more. My degree in Forensic Psychology may not translate well in a new country where I’m not fluent in the language, leaving me in search of viable employment options.

This has reignited my old dreams. The flame of my passion for writing, once nearly extinguished, has started to blaze anew. Over the past few months, I have been writing purely for the joy of it—without deadlines or constraints. Little by little, my enthusiasm has returned, making me excited to wake up and create.

A new thought has taken root: What if I pursued writing as a legitimate career?

Naturally, doubts surged. I questioned my talent and feared the reactions of those around me, particularly my mother’s voice echoing in my mind.

It forced me to revisit the conversation I had with her nearly two decades ago, recognizing the unintended weight of her words. I couldn’t help but wonder how many opportunities I had missed due to her lack of encouragement and how different my experiences might have been had I not felt discouraged.

While the past is unchangeable, it does leave me pondering the ‘what ifs’ of my life. Her dismissal of my aspirations felt like a loss of potential, and without her support, I lacked the courage to explore my passion further.

As Stephen King wisely noted in his memoir “On Writing”: “Writing is a lonely thing. Having someone who believes in you makes a lot of difference.”

Every career comes with its challenges, and even in my role as a Forensic Psychologist, I faced significant hurdles. Yet, every path requires dedication and sacrifice to yield meaningful results. So why not dedicate that effort to something I genuinely care about?

One dismissive comment was enough to deter me from a passion I held dear. Now, at 30 years old, I feel ready to confront my fears. Financial success through writing may not be guaranteed, and traditional publishing might remain elusive. Nevertheless, I am eager to explore where this journey might lead.

Pursuing a passion is a profound personal commitment, regardless of its profitability.

As I come to terms with these realizations, I bravely shared my desire with my mother once more, saying, “I think I’d like to explore writing as a career.”

Her response was predictably cautious: “It’s a tough field. There’s no money in writing. Maybe you should focus on teaching English instead.”

She interrupted me before I could fully explain my vision, and in that moment, I felt like the frightened child I once was, hesitant to speak my truth.

Yet, despite the urge to suppress my aspirations, I refuse to let her doubts extinguish my passion this time. I am determined to channel my energy into pursuing a goal that resonates with me. While success remains uncertain, the willingness to try is already a step forward.

Writing is calling me, and this time, I am ready to respond.

Have you ever experienced a lack of support from a loved one regarding your aspirations? I invite you to share your experiences in the comments below and how you navigated those feelings.

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Chapter 2: The Impact of Parental Skepticism

In this video, titled "Why Do Parents Crush Their Children's Dreams?", we explore the profound effects that parental skepticism can have on a child's aspirations and ambitions, highlighting the journey of self-discovery that follows.

The second video, "What to do when parents don't support your DREAM?", provides insights and strategies for navigating the challenges of pursuing one's goals in the face of familial doubt and pressure.