Do you ever find yourself looking for approval from others to feel good about yourself? This is an emotional trap that many people fall in to. They base their self esteem and self worth on the feedback they receive from others. But what if this was no longer the case? What if you could be free to validate your own emotions and how you feel about yourself? Here are three steps you can take to help you move toward self validation:
1. Acknowledge that you are okay just being you and that no one else has the power to tell you that you are not good enough. You can validate and acknowledge yourself, your accomplishments, and know that you are a good person just by what you are putting out into the world. We often would say these kind words to others, but rarely to ourselves. Make this a regular reminder to be kind to yourself and your own cheerleader.
2. Create a boundary with others where you can hear and be open to their feedback, but not accept things they say about you that you know to be untrue.
3. Honor your emotions and your strengths. You are entitled to your feelings and they are valid based on your own life experience. This life experience also has helped you build strengths. Identify and embrace your strengths, reminding yourself of them regularly.
Best wishes in your journey toward self validation from Open Doors Counseling!
