Thanks, Debbie, for your very thoughtful and insightful post.

I think I'm learning to accept that we each have skills--and certain levels and styles within those talents--that are unique to each of us. These days, I'm more comfortable with the limitations of my singing voice and writing style, and I think I should have more mercy on my artistic abilities as well. I am good at drawing animals, and I've never really wanted to get rich or famous from my drawings, so why do I put all this pressure on myself? I guess because I want to (someday, with luck) make a living off my music, and, to a lesser degree, my writing, I feel like any art I do should be published, too...As if it doesn't mean anything unless my work is exhibited to the public! How ridiculous!

I like the idea of creating a list of things I'm good at--that would be great for my self-esteem, I think.

Also, since you mentioned horses, that's another thing I gave up (I took riding lessons for a few months in 1996). I stopped because of a combination of fear and being pushed into goals by my instructors that I had no interest in achieving. I'm starting to notice a pattern here...When I get pushed into something I don't want to do, I quit in response, instead of looking for alternative ways to do what I want.