Reply #7: Sometimes, in such a situation

[rumpel]

what I do is completely step out of myself. What I mean is I imagine I am a part of myself, a being without form, perhaps drifting above it all and just observe. I can see what I do and feel, and why I feel and re-act a certain way, and often of the other person or situation as well.
Deep down you know yourself that your education was not a waste and the knowledge you gained is yours that no one can take away from you - regardless of what anyone says.
On the other side, I think for someone to attack you like that, just simply is an expression of an underlying feeling of the same about his own efforts. Perhaps expectations of what the degrees did not bring in life?
Any expression of art comes directly from your soul & its connection to the cosmos, and a will to put an effort into it (painting stuff on the crown molding) yes - you can, nothing else is needed.

I send you light on your health issues in the meantime.

And I agree, meditation & relaxation sounds like a must.

:grouphug: