I'm able now, after a lot of work, to push aside my preoccupation with what others think of me and be myself.  I can't begin to tell you how long it's taken me to get to this place or how difficult it's been.

However, as soon as I'm criticized, I still fall apart.  Recently, I was told by a complete stranger hiding behind the anonymity of the internet that my artwork was terrible (I'm paraphrasing, but believe me, the intent was 100% clear), and I sobbed uncontrollably about it.  The asshat won.  They wanted to hurt me and they succeeded.  I don't even know why I care -- I make my artwork for myself, not for anyone else.  I just decided to share it because other people were sharing similar pieces and... perhaps I shouldn't have.  Perhaps I'm not ready to share my artwork yet.  

Gah, now I'm crying again *remembering* what happened.  Okay, I'll stop here.