Live by the Compliment, Die by the Insult

External validation has sent me on many trips to Cloud 9. Compliments from loved ones & strangers, praise at work, romance, academic accolades, likes online. Throughout my life, I’ve craved it and subconsciously tied my worth to everyone else’s opinion.

But what happens when admiration turns to criticism? Or even worse, when there’s neither admiration nor criticism. Just me, center stage, under a sweltering spotlight without an audience. How will I know if I’m beautiful, smart, talented, and capable if not a soul is watching my performance?

The perception of others tore me down even faster than it lifted me up. And the absence of it hollowed out my esteem until all I could do was replenish myself.

To know you are the only person in the crowd, even while others are watching, is the ultimate gift. The gift of constant discovery, freedom from expectations, room for growth & failure alike, space to do what truly makes you happy without seeking approval.

Internal validation reminds us that we are in complete control of our lives, but only if we allow ourselves to be.