The Importance of Validation

Validation. What is it? It’s getting feedback from others that “what I do and say matters to you or has helped you.  You think of me. You acknowledge my accomplishments. You appreciate ME."

In my recent blog post I mention the fact that it's OKAY to need a little validation sometimes. We all want to be the kind of person that doesn't NEED validation from others. As much as I believe our happiness and confidence should come from within, I also believe that it's OKAY to need a little love, positive words of encouragement and acknowledgment from others sometimes. We need people, God made us that way and we should embrace it. We can't be on this journey alone and still be our best. 

Validation provides us with something amazing. It gives us energy, makes us happy, motivates us to keep going. We don't have to wait around for others to give it to us though, we have the ability within ourselves to create that same kind of positive energy. Any validation from others is just icing on the cake. So when realizing this, we MUST do our best to provide validation for others and allow karma to take hold. The more we give, the more we receive. If we're not getting the validation needed, then we must take it upon ourselves to provide it. Not desperately seek it out of others. 

I've mentioned before that sometimes I get caught up in the comparison game. There are so many wonderful bloggers and authors out there and sometimes I feel so small compared to them. But God doesn't want us to compare. He doesn't want us to feel like we have to be a trail blazer at all times. Although there is already so much good content out there, I shouldn't feel like I don't have anything unique to add. What I need to remember is that although most everything I'm doing has been done before or said before, the difference is that it hasn't been done by ME! It's common messages paired with MY background and personality. That's what makes it different. I have to remind myself of this regularly. Satan is good at what he does. Just when we think we have it all together and confident in our pursuits, he's right there to say "you're no good so just give it up already". 

It seems like every time I start feeling down about my blog and wanna just throw in the towel. Then is when I'll receive a sweet reaffirming message from one of you telling me how much you've appreciated my blog, or how it's inspired or motivated you in some way.  Serving others is one of THE most fulfilling endeavors in this life. 

So your messages give me that needed validation, proof that what I'm doing serves a greater purpose beyond myself. I also think it's God's way of keeping us from giving up on worthwhile endeavors. His hand is in all things and I've witnessed this time and time again. So thank you for being my supportive group of friends that keep me from giving up.