The Applause That Matters
Another Saturday morning and the sky is blue, the sun is shining, and the dog is softly snoring in her bed. She let me sleep until the sun was up, which I’ve decided is one of the keys to happiness, at least for me. Good dog.
I’ve written a bit lately on the realization that if I want to find peace and validation, I need to look inward rather than outward. How easily we believe that the fulfillment we seek comes from something or someone outside of ourselves. Whether it’s money, power, alcohol and drugs, or even another person, we try in vain to find something to “complete” us. Then, after we’ve tried some or all of these, we are surprised that the emptiness is still there. Usually, we then try something else and the cycle begins again.
Why is it so hard for us to accept that the path to rest and peace is found only when we begin to look inside ourselves? Because most of us can’t believe that such a flawed human being can contain what is needed to find wholeness and contentment. After all, we are intimately familiar with our own failings and shortcomings. How could true serenity come from within our scattered selves? It is much easier to continue to look anywhere but within. It takes courage to face our inner self and really embrace the truth - that the key to becoming the person we want to be lies inside. It’s been there all along.
I never thought I had the power to validate myself, but the truth is, I am the only one who can legitimately confirm my worth. The kindness and encouragement of others has its place in our wellness, but when we make our value dependent upon what others say or think, we are destined to be disappointed.
I still don’t always get this right. Sometimes, like a little kid who’s drawn a lopsided house with a rainbow over top, I step away from my “masterpiece” and internally shout “TA-DA!” Then I look around hoping for applause and I’m disappointed if no one notices. I’m slowly learning it’s okay for me to applaud myself.
It’s okay for you to applaud yourself too.
XX
Great insights. Thanks.