Have you ever noticed yourself constantly seeking validation and approval from others? It’s natural to want others to like and approve of us, hoping it will make us feel good about ourselves. But why do we place such importance on others’ opinions? Each of us is unique, and true approval can only come from within.
The Root of Approval Seeking
Perhaps this behavior stems from our upbringing, where we weren’t always encouraged to connect with our own feelings and emotions. We were guided closely, and rarely had to navigate things on our own. But what does validation really mean?
Understanding Validation
Is our ego driving us to seek constant reassurance that we are “good enough,” because deep down, we struggle to believe it ourselves? Our mind’s filter, the reticular activating system (RAS), often highlights our shortcomings rather than our strengths. We might criticize ourselves internally while seeking external validation that we’re not as bad as we fear.
Embracing Self-Approval
It’s crucial to recognize, learn from, and release this approval-seeking mechanism. Imagine a life spent constantly chasing others’ approval—how exhausting and unfulfilling would that be? Instead, we should cultivate our own self-worth, approve of ourselves, and embrace confidence in who we are and what we do.
Visualizing Self-Confidence
Visualize yourself as confident and content with who you are. The more we connect with ourselves, the better our relationships with others become. It’s not just about what we receive from others; it’s about nurturing ourselves and sharing our energy, joy, and happiness freely.
Finding Balance
Finding the balance between honoring our own needs and connecting with others can be challenging. Take time today to observe your behavior—notice any tendencies to seek approval and validation. Sit with these feelings and contemplate what you truly seek from others. Then, realize with certainty that what you seek externally is what you must first give to yourself.
Prayer for Self-Approval
You may find it helpful to say this prayer:
“To the supreme God, thank you for blessing me with awareness to see myself clearly. Thank you for revealing when I seek validation from others instead of from myself. Grant me the courage, joy, and happiness to walk the path to self-love and healing. With full faith, I embrace my own approval and validation. So be it.”
By nurturing self-love and confidence, we can transcend the need for external validation. Let us fill our own cup with energy and happiness, and share this abundance with others. Remember, true validation begins within.
Embrace your journey to self-approval with love, light, and power.
The Spiritual Approach