…I’m… compelled to reply with a few questions
of my own:

‘Do you mean besides having fun? Besides learning
that the world has always spun in the palm of your
hand? Besides bicycles, long walks, and hot
chocolate? Besides holding hands, giving hugs, and
drying tears? Besides having a dream and making it
come true? Besides February, Fridays, and Polar
Bears? Besides witnessing miracles that only you
are privy to? Besides sunrises, sunsets, and every
rare and fleeting moment in between?’”

Excerpt taken from Tut’s Adventures Club

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