I can’t say enough good things about Lauren Sapala’s article “To Create Your Best Art, Surround Yourself With The Best People.”

So much of the time we assume that we have to power through damaging criticism from people and keep on taking it, or grin and bear it whenever we’re around someone who makes us feel badly about ourselves. This is simply not true. Whenever possible, we need to exercise our freedom to move away from these people and situations. The people probably won’t like it, and the situation may valiantly attempt to suck you right back in, but it can be done. You can find new people who want to ride with you through this magical journey of life, and will take turns with you as you cheerlead each other the entire way.

Read the whole thing. Better yet, just subscribe to Lauren’s blog!