Personal Experiences and Self-Worth

Life is filled with all different kinds of experiences. Each of them is uniquely colored by our emotions and thoughts. Our emotions are pathways through which we create our own conclusions about ourselves and the world that we live in. Our emotions connect experiences with our core beliefs, influencing our perception and attracting more of what we believe in. We live in the so-called multiverse that presents itself right here, in front of us. Simultaneously, we experience the outside world, nature, other people, but each of us lives in our own personal world inside of our heads, surrounded by our thoughts, emotions, and memories.

Moreover, the multiverse shows itself on different levels of experiences. Some people live on the level of richness that is hard to imagine, while others look for food in the garbage can. All is happening right here and now. All experiences, whether joyful or challenging, leave indelible marks on our psyche, impacting our sense of self-worth, building and deepening our own perception and comprehension of our reality.

Understanding the Need for Validation

Let’s explore the concept of self-validation and its profound impact on our lives. Validation is the recognition and acceptance of one’s own thoughts, feelings, and identity. It is a fundamental human need, central to our emotional health and well-being. Through the process of validation, based on the feedback that we receive, we learn about ourselves and the world.

How would we know if we are far off the norms in our life experiences? We evaluate ourselves by looking and comparing with our peers. It helps us in building a self-concept as well as where we stand in relation to others. The roots of searching for self-validation are attributed to different psychological theories and therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and humanistic psychology. The founder of humanistic psychology, Carl Rogers, pointed out the crucial aspect of self-acceptance and validation necessary for personal growth and life fulfillment. In the search for validation, we often find ourselves at a crossroads between seeking approval from the world around us and drawing it from within. This search can shape the contours of our lives, influencing our decisions, our relationships, and, most importantly, our self-worth