The struggle to find pride in our craft when society often views it as lesser—how do you cope with that?

Many of us in the Numu community know the struggle of taking pride in our craft when society often views blacksmithing as lesser. It's a tough pill to swallow, especially when we pour our hearts into every forge, hammer strike, and creation. There’s a certain fire in our souls that ignites when we shape metal, but sometimes we’re met with raised eyebrows or dismissive comments. One thing that helps is finding a space where we can share our experiences with others who truly get it. I remember feeling isolated after a tough day, but then I connected with a fellow blacksmith nearby. We started meeting up and sharing our challenges and successes over coffee. Just having someone to talk to who understands the weight of these societal perceptions made a world of difference. It reminded me that our craft is not just about the finished piece but the journey and the pride we take in creating something tangible. Another approach some of us take is to actively showcase our work, whether it's through social media or local markets. When we share our craft with pride, and connect with others who appreciate it, we begin to shift the narrative. It’s amazing how a simple like or comment from someone who values our work can boost our spirits. We’re not just blacksmiths; we’re artists, creators, and storytellers. It’s also important to celebrate our wins, no matter how small they may seem. Completing a challenging project or mastering a new technique is worth recognizing. Sharing these moments with our community can help reinforce our pride in our craft. We create an environment where we uplift one another, reminding ourselves that our skills are valuable and deserving of recognition. Anyone else feeling this struggle? Sometimes just talking to someone who knows the journey makes all the difference. What’s been your experience in finding pride in your craft amidst these challenges?