In a world where we stretch ourselves thin and seemingly give all of our energy to try and please others, it’s nice – no, almost crucial – to be acknowledged.  Without such we feel used, unloved, even forgotten.  Acknowledgement doesn’t have to be a thank you.  It doesn’t even have to come from anyone we know.  It just needs to be a affirmation that what we’re feeling is real and okay.  Or go one step beyond that to not only agree with us, but encourage us!

Why is validation so important?  When our feelings are acknowledged, we gain a camaraderie with another person, and in effect, the rest of the world.  Often I feel as if I’m alone in my tasks and burdens, facing obstacles that others can’t relate to.  When someone shares my opinions and respects the things I’m going through, it assures me that my feelings are legitimate and frees me from self-doubt.

For instance, as a mother, I often search for other mothers to share my shortcomings and triumphs with.  It’s uplifting to hear that I am doing a good job and to ‘keep it up’ from a person who understands what I’m going through.  Often it’s that little voice inside that cripples us into thinking we’re all alone or not good enough.  An encouraging voice from the outside often trumps anything our inside voice has to say.

Think of the last time someone listened to, acknowledged and validated your feelings.  It changed your day, didn’t it?  It may have even changed your life.  Check out this video and see how one man’s interpretation of validation changed things for him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao