VALIDATION

At the end of the day, every human being yearns for validation. Validation that their life on this earth is worth something. Validation that they are needed and appreciated. Toddlers test the strings of validation by getting attention from their parents through drawing a picture or playing with building blocks. The smile or clap they receive, validates their existence during these moments. We become friends with certain people because they validate us in some way whether its our lifestyle, our interests, or our purpose. Divorce, break ups, arguments, disgruntled co-workers, and wars occur most times because validation has not been exchanged.

I was watching a CNN report on South Korea which it summarized the history and present condition of this country. The report also mentioned how South Koreans have been molded to dislike Americans, and this attitude has been prevalent since the Vietnam War. South Korea has waved fear and intimidation over the US by parading its powerful army and very detailed nuclear system. As a result, this has caused the United States and other countries to stand and take notice. But this is South Korea's way of trying to get validation. In other words they are waving their hands like a child and screaming for attention. The fear and intimidation for South Korea, validates them as a powerful country. Recently they have began to dismantle their nuclear system, the Philharmonic Orchestra performed there which is huge, and they have started to allow the trade of American beef back into the country. Why all of these recent changes: validation has been given.

Validation says to people, you recognize me and appreciate my purpose on this earth. When that is not done then people begin to find ways to get it. A toddler has a tantrum, a spouse starts an argument, a youth turns to violence, or citizens of a country have an uprising. All of these scream look at me, tell me I am ok and I have a purpose here.

When it becomes complicated is when people continuously look for validation outside of themselves, and depend on a person, a car, a job, or success to bring them validation. True consistent validation can only come from the love of self and the defining of one's own purpose.

As you busy yourself with the fleeting things of this life, ask yourself where does my validation come from? and why?