In the past, I was always looking for approval from others. If they approved, then it would be good. Then I would be good. I was so focused on the outside world that I forgot myself. That I forgot my own approval.
In a story on Instagram I was asking my followers if I should share an honest & open story.
Soon after I asked that question, I realised I was asking for the approval from others. Maybe even their permission. Again.
But I don’t need anyone’s permission or approval except for one, the one from myself. If I want to share the story I will. If it comes from the heart, I know it’s the right thing to do. For me. If I want to, I will. My approval comes from within, not the outside world.
The thing is, if the story only helps one woman, or if 1 woman recognises herself in it, it’s worth it. Or let me reframe that, even if it helps no one (which I doubt 😉) then it is still worth it if it feels right for me. To do it, to share, to embrace every piece of me. Not keep a part of me in the shadow. It’s all of me. Including the bad & the ugly.
Shining light on a shadow helps to get it out of the darkness. When you share it, the burden doesn’t way as much anymore. We humans truly crave connection. Connection with others, and connection with ourselves, our whole selves. Not just the pretty parts but every piece. Without that piece, the puzzle of you wouldn’t be complete. If you are rejecting a piece of you, you are rejecting yourself. That’s the opposite of self-approval. But how can you increase your self-approval?
Try to answer these questions:
~ Is there a part of me that I’m hiding?
~ Why am I hiding this part?
~ Where can I shine some light on and how can I do this?
~ How can I connect more with myself?
~ What do I need for self-approving?
Journaling about these questions can help you gain clarity and increase your self-approval.
And if you get stuck while answering this questions, know I’m here for you.
