You've hit the nail on the head on this one - ultimately it is up to you to recognize what is important to you, what gives you joy and what you are going to do about it

There will always be those who will have an opinion on why you should or shouldn't do something

I tried living up to societal and parental expectations most of my life - now I get to live for myself and do what I want to do

To give you a perspective, right now am the only creative - no other poets, writers, authors or even painters (not from a lack of talent) in my huge family because at an early age we were all persuaded to pursue majors with well paying job potential