Why is it that we have to base our approval of ourselves on that of others. validate ourselves,achievements based on what they think? If ”they ” think its “good enough” then it is good enough for us.
“They” doesn’t have to mean just anyone. It could be family, mentors, our closest friends, whoever else we look upto or whose opinion really matters to us.
Why is it that we desperately seek their approval?
Are our own standards too low, or is it that “looking good” gives a sense of satisfaction, achievement? Or is it more of ” I-am-better-than- you ” feeling?
On one side it maybe compelety unrealistic (and self-loathing) if we are ‘good enough’ only by other peoples standards, but on the other hand, talents, gifts…blah blah were not just meant for just ourselves(at least that’s what I think)
Can you imagine if all great writers and poets kept their work to themselves, or singers too talented to share their music, or photographers, public speakers, painters…
That would mean a loss to humanity , and a great disservice to themselves seeing as a vast majority of them make a living based on these talents.
But all these people had to take a bold step knowing that not everyone would like any of their work !
Only now we need to find the distinction between critism(constructive or otherwise), validation, flattery and appreciation, which all have to come from “others”.
So back to my question on approval do we really need it, that bad?
