This is a good exercise.

My scariest thing is disappointing people.

Ah, yes, that's a big broad one. Can you think of a recent, specific example?

Broad concept is true. Hmm. I just left a roommate whom I had good vibes with online.

We'd clicked, and then I moved in. Things were awkward, we barely saw each other, and I told him a few times that if anything were bothering him, to let me know so I could fix it.

Two months later, and no problems were mentioned. Then he wants me out, all of a sudden.

For another and many others! Good luck, Rae <3

Much of my scariest things echo yours closely ) The last one - definitely. And just the same I crunch through it in a "just do it!" mode, otherwise I'll never grow into what I want to be as a creator, no matter how far off in the future it may be.
There is also fear of my creative core being consumed by the rl everyday. I have a 7 y.o. daughter and we want to expand our family eventually. But at the same time the prospect scares the hell out of me during my weaker moments, despite the fact that I managed to combine two worlds and aspects of myself just fine the first time xD
But I've grown since then! So I know I can do it again.

Ah, yes. I was really determined when I had my first child to still pursue my art dreams. For me, it serves the dual purpose of fulfilling one of my own needs as well as setting an example for my son. To keep trying, no matter how hard.

I don't expect to have another anytime soon, but I both look forward to it as well as anticipate some anxiety about feeling set-back if I finally start feeling like my art's getting somewhere at the same time.

What's the most recent work you've struggled to finish?

For me, it's being unnoticed... for all my projects; for all the blood, sweat, and tears I pour into anything. It's not people liking it (and not loving it), it's not hating it... it's just the not caring. The feeling that if I scream, or cry, or anything, it just get swallowed up into a black, silent void that gives nothing back. That I might as well have not bothered, for all the change or difference it makes.

It's why I have a novel only a third finished... it's why so many projects I have get stalled out. Not because I don't think they're worthwhile personally, but because I keep hearing a voice going 'Why bother? No one cares.' Writing, music, clay figurines, dice bags... nothing.

When I can't get friends nor family for love nor money to even read the first couple pages... not even the whole thing; just a tiny bit to see if it's even a interesting start! What chance do I have of strangers wanting to read it? They can't even remember the instrument I've been practising for two years now! And they don't ask what I've been working on.. ever. Not for any song, not for any story, not for any project. Ever. No feedback, no interest, no nothing. It just... makes anything feel more hollow.

I've been getting into knitting more... I do enjoy it, but it's also something that has a physical presence, something that I can visually see having been done. And I can donate them, so SOMEONE might appreciate them. At the very least, I can get a bit of a tax break... Which, apparently is the best I can do; something that makes a negative slightly less. It's disheartening as hell.

It's why I try to give artists more feedback too... at least it's something.

I can utterly relate, actually. I recently considered making a side account as an experiment in shouting into the void to see if it would do any good. My recent art experiments I feel somewhat similarly about, if only because content is outside my usual bounds. But there is one comfort I -have- taken from the few times I ventured to art something I don't usually do: It can be liberating to get no reaction. Putting yourself out there and fearing rejection is a big thing for me. Feeling unheard is also torture. But if there is no external force telling me if I did or didn't do good, it also means maybe I can really explore what I have to say. And maybe reach something genuine in myself. I can only hope in doing so, people will find something in the honesty that also prompts genuine interaction.

Perfect examples, I finally started sharing these journals about how I deal with my struggles, and you and other readers have started responding to them.

I once was told selling art isn't about selling the art itself. It is about selling yourself. Telling people who you are and what you're doing. That's what gets people's interested and brings them back. And I've seen it for myself, even in local art galleries. One painter I recall, very skilled but not in a style I usually favor, had a three-ring binder detailing the stories behind her paintings. The painting style wasn't my thing, but the stories resonated with me, and for that I now love her work. Same thing with Vincent van Gogh. I didn't like his work until I learned about his life.

I don't know how much that helps. But I know being bold enough to share yourself is part of what generates genuine interest. (Except maybe in the case of pop-culture-eye-candy.) If family members don't actively ask about your works, have you tried actively sharing? Sometimes people just don't think to ask. But I can't speak specifically to your situation, I'm not there. :o

When you write, do you get anything from it? Either as you write or when you go back and re-read what you've written?