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I've been seeing a lot of folks talking about how focusing on follower counts is unhealthy, and while the intention is good there & you shouldn't measure your worth by that, I want to say for those discouraged by this that there's no shame in appreciating how far you've come. 1/6
I see it as a measurement of how effective my strategy to reaching my goal is. Many artists dream of making a career of sorts out of this, or to at least be known for it in some way. Numbers help us reach the audience we need. Of course, a lot of it comes down to luck. 2/6
It doesn't mean you're not awesome if you don't get lucky, so you persevere. If your numbers grow slowly, you're a strong person who keeps going. I've been tracking my numbers so I can remind myself that I'm making progress at my own pace. 3/6
I'm not where I want to be yet, but I'm also much further than I've ever been. I don't take it for granted. To know that this many people have seen my work is already a huge accomplishment. I've felt that way since 100 followers. 4/6
I don't value the numbers above all though, it's a very small part of how I measure the quality of my life. More important are the friends I made along the way, and how I am doing more and more things I thought I'd never get to do and getting more opportunities. 5/6
I say all this not to criticize anyone, but just to give a second opinion for those that need it. It's hard to do everything according to what those we look up to say, because we're not all the same. Do what feels right for you, and be proud of what you've achieved! 
6/6
6/6
I just want to add that if any of what I said here triggers you or makes you feel judged, please know that it's not directed at you, and those who are saying what you need to hear are absolutely right in that as well. 
