[Daonnachd]

With heart and soul I long to contribute to society, but I can't keep it together long enough to hold a job and establish myself.

[CopperStar]

Most people do not contribute to society. They go out to make money so they can buy stuff for themselves and for their own survival, and they pay taxes that mostly gets used in stupid and/or nefarious ways. Try not to put society on a pedestal if you can help it. The things that matter are our everyday interactions with our fellow humans, being kind and compassionate and all the small but meaningful things we do for each other throughout our lives. If you struggle to hold down a job, that ultimately makes things very difficult for you, not society. There is no need to feel guilty or ashamed.

[emptyspace]

Originally Posted by CopperStar

Most people do not contribute to society. They go out to make money so they can buy stuff for themselves and for their own survival, and they pay taxes that mostly gets used in stupid and/or nefarious ways. Try not to put society on a pedestal if you can help it. The things that matter are our everyday interactions with our fellow humans, being kind and compassionate and all the small but meaningful things we do for each other throughout our lives. If you struggle to hold down a job, that ultimately makes things very difficult for you, not society. There is no need to feel guilty or ashamed.

This was really good!

[Daonnachd]

What a powerful coincidence. Pedestals have figured in my creative work. If it will load, here's a self portrait of me being crushed by a pedestal.

Here are links from my gallery here: http://forums.psychcentral.com/album...ictureid=51819

This is upside down unfortunately: http://forums.psychcentral.com/album...ictureid=51813 but it's the same image only with organic lines instead of angular.

[Wander]

Originally Posted by vertigo

What a powerful coincidence. Pedestals have figured in my creative work. If it will load, here's a self portrait of me being crushed by a pedestal.

Here are links from my gallery here: http://forums.psychcentral.com/album...ictureid=51819

This is upside down unfortunately: http://forums.psychcentral.com/album...ictureid=51813 but it's the same image only with organic lines instead of angular.

Wow! Your artwork is amazing. You are so NOT worthless. I understand the feeling though. I had many years where I could not work or study due to mental and physical health issues and my self-esteem tanked. It is tough to deal with. Keep up with the artwork, you are really talented.

I found volunteer work with the disabled and animals very rewarding. I did it for over 15 years and could honestly say I would not be here without the volly work dragging me through the tough times.

Now thinking back over what I contributed - I am extremely proud. I am taking a well earned break but just by volunteering I influenced the lives of thousands of kids and hundreds of horses and helped raise over Half a million dollars. Sometimes it was hard but I am glad I chose to use my energy in that way.

Is there any volunteer work in your community? Volunteers truly are priceless.

[Daonnachd]

I have thought of volunteer work often, but fear the depression would prevent me following through on commitments - or that my depression would be such a detriment on coworkers that they wouldn't want me there.

My depression had me in hospital often and I was always appreciated for any time I could give, even when I was bawling crying or so agitated all I could do was poo pick paddocks. There was always something I could contribute

[Daonnachd]

That's a good point. Anything I can do to help, because there's always something. I'll remember that.

[Capriciousness]

Originally Posted by CopperStar

Most people do not contribute to society. They go out to make money so they can buy stuff for themselves and for their own survival, and they pay taxes that mostly gets used in stupid and/or nefarious ways. Try not to put society on a pedestal if you can help it. The things that matter are our everyday interactions with our fellow humans, being kind and compassionate and all the small but meaningful things we do for each other throughout our lives. If you struggle to hold down a job, that ultimately makes things very difficult for you, not society. There is no need to feel guilty or ashamed.

Yes this!

And in this sense we all contribute to society. And remember some people contribute in bad ways...

[Capriciousness]

Holy **** man! I'm obsessed! I wanna buy that art.

You know what is kinda creepy is that the second upside down one looks verrry similar to stuff that I do. I guess Bipolar minds feel and create alike. I seriously caught my breath when I saw it. I totally feel ya

[Daonnachd]

Thanks.
That one was fun since it was the first time I had tried making any sort of image with a dip (calligraphy) pen. For postcards, most of what's in my gallery, the dip pen has become my favorite medium.