Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of self-acknowledgment and self-love in a world where external validation is often sought after.

Abstract

The article "Sometimes We Need to Just Clap for Ourselves" discusses the significance of self-validation in the absence of acknowledgment from others. It suggests that in a world increasingly driven by instant gratification, individuals must learn to appreciate and embrace themselves, regardless of external feedback. The author encourages readers to engage in positive self-talk, focus on personal joy and values, and ignore the negative opinions of others. The piece advocates for personal growth through stepping out of one's comfort zone and facing fears, highlighting that self-worth comes from within and that self-acceptance is crucial for a fulfilling life.

Opinions

The author believes that self-acknowledgment is crucial when external encouragement is lacking.
It is important to like oneself beyond social media validation and to feel comfortable with who we are.
The article suggests that we should not rely on others for validation but should instead fill ourselves up with self-love and fulfillment.
The author posits that our self-talk can be either empowering or disempowering and that focusing on positive qualities is essential for self-acceptance.
Worrying about others' opinions is seen as counterproductive, as these opinions are a reflection of the observer, not the individual.
Embracing change and stepping outside one's comfort zone is viewed as necessary for personal growth and evolution.
The author asserts that self-identity and uniqueness should be accepted and celebrated, as they are what make each person irreplaceable.

Sometimes We Need to Just Clap for Ourselves

Not getting acknowledgement from others?

We all have days when we are looking for the acknowledgement of others. Maybe it’s to help us get by. To not feel alone. To feel connected — to our friends, our family, our community, our tribe, even to strangers.

In those times when we most need encouragement — that we are on the right track, or that things aren’t as bad as we perceive, and we don’t get that acknowledgement from others…

…that’s when we need to clap for ourselves. That’s when we need to like ourselves, and not just in the social media term, but actually like…ourselves. Feel comfortable with ourselves.

I did not grow up in a world of instant gratification, but that’s the world I seem to live in now — that we live in now. At least at times.

We write something, post something, say something hoping that our message, our thoughts, our views will be received by others. Not just heard, but that someone listened and even understood. When it’s not, how does it make you feel?

Do you feel comfortable with yourself, regardless of the lack of response from others? If not, then it’s time to go deeper into your inner self and learn to embrace “you”.

Do you embrace yourself for who you are?

For what you have been through?

For what you have learned on your journey through life?

For what you still would like to learn?

To live without judgement — of others and especially yourself? To understand?

To realize that you’re doing the best you can?

Give yourself a break…give yourself some love.

Are you clapping for you??

Who are you? Beyond the roles you hold in life, for those can be taken away or will change over time. Ask yourself what do I stand for, what do I value, and what brings me joy. Make a list and then take action. Start doing things that bring you joy. This is not selfish — we need to fill ourselves up. Feel fulfilled.

What is your self talk? Take some time and really listen to what you say to yourself about yourself. Are you speaking negatively? Do you feel powerful or powerless? Are you the victim or the victor? Start seeing the positive qualities and stop focusing on the negative ones. Give yourself a break.

Stop thinking and/or worrying about what others think or say about you. Guess what — it’s their opinion, their perception of you. And it’s filtered through their view of themselves. I once heard a wise person say “What others think of me is none of my business!” As the saying goes, “You can’t please everyone”. Stop trying. Who do you look to be?

Step outside your comfort zone. Change is the only constant, and as things change, we need to change. We should all want to grow, to evolve. Who you are today is not who you were yesterday, or who you will be tomorrow. When we embrace change and challenge ourselves to step up during life’s challenging times, we learn life lessons that help us become better versions of ourselves. What scares us is usually what we need for personal growth. And in the end, is of most benefit to us. What scares you? Do something that scares you as often as possible. Get uncomfortable…grow…

How we feel about ourselves has everything to do with how we go about our lives. If we don’t feel good about ourselves, we turn to the outside world to fill us up. We need to fill ourselves up, it’s an inside job. That movie line, “You complete me” is not healthy — nobody can complete us or make us happy.

We need to accept our own identity and uniqueness. Rock who you are — you are the only one who can!

Until next time ~

Sending you light, love — and a clap.

Be Well,