Validation

It would make life easier if we didn't desire validation.  There is a chance that we may need it, but ultimately I think we desire it.  It helps us feel okay with ourselves.  It lets us know that others appreciate, notice or enjoy something about who we are.

It would be freeing if we could venture forth on our journeys with confidence and passion not needing to hear if we are okay or accepted or appreciated or noticed.  We could dress with confidence, speak with certainty, listen without judging, and go after our dreams without doubt in ourselves.

I haven't met anyone who doesn't desire validation.  People want to hear that their words are truly heard and cared about.  People want to know that they look okay, they didn't choose the wrong hairstyle or the wrong outfit.  People want to know their actions are good and mean something to someone.

Did you know that not hearing anything at all is the equivalent to hearing negative things?  Working hard and putting yourself out there and being ignored is just as painful as someone telling you they don't like what you did.

I felt this today.  Tears come to my eyes as I realize someone I wanted to notice and see "me" may never.  They may never see how I try to reach out and try to include them and am often a last thought. It is painful.  It is painful to feel unimportant and undervalued.

The worst part is that I know I am valued by many, many people.  There is only one I struggle to get validation from.  You would think that I could simply accept everyone else's validation and be okay, but it is more difficult than you might think.

So, here is a plea: remember to let people know they have value and know that you have value just as you are.