We all seek recognition.
Recognition for a job well done, for a live well lived. Recognition for our accomplishments.
This is not about ego. This is about feeling that our work and our presence is valued.
Where we get in trouble is when we give away our power to the opinion of others.
There is nothing wrong with feeling good when someone pays us a compliment. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the feeling of being appreciated.
Yet, when we rely too much on other to appreciate us and we look for validation from others, we are often disappointed.
A more centered approach is to validate ourselves, to appreciate ourselves to the point that we do not care if others appreciate us.
When we know we have value to give, when we feel in our hearts that we’ve done the best that we can do, and we give ourselves a pat on the back, then we own our own greatness.
The interesting thing is that when we do that, others magically begin to see us more. They recognize us more and appreciate us more.
Other can only reflect back to us when we are putting out. When we feel not enough, other will reflect back to us that we are no enough.
When we strong in our contribution, others will reflect that back to us as well.
The most important person to receive validation from is ourselves. Once we learn that lesson, validation becomes unimportant.
The surest way to liberation from the opinions of others is to value our own opinion above all else.
Then suddenly, everyone else’s opinion shifts.
~ Sam Liebowitz, The Conscious Consultant
