We almost, instinctively do it...an idea comes to mind and we jump at the chance to ask for validation, from all who are willing to listen long enough. What’s terribly scary about this is, the power that bit of validation, or lack of, may have, on the decision of your next step. The conversation sounds a little bit like this: cue the excitement tone, “I really think I am going to...” Then, without fail, the responder: cue voice of doubt, “That’s great, BUT...(insert all the negative parts that would make this difficult to achieve). Sigh. Get your big buts out of here! I was recently chatting with a gal I just met. She asked me where my son went to school and I proceeded to tell her I homeschool him. Her response stung me to the core: “I had a desire to homeschool my kids years ago but everyone around me told me how terrible I would be at it, and they were probably right.” I secretly fell off my chair. Did you see what happened there? A desire that this woman had didn’t even make it into a second thought because it was already decided for her, by other people’s opinions of her abilities. Oh my goodness people, STOP DOING THIS! Stop looking for other people’s validation to measure whether or not you are capable of doing something! Friend, this is when you need to allow yourself a full-fledged dance party to, Shake it Off by Taylor Swift.
I cannot tell you how many times I have been told, I was making a huge mistake before I even started. It is almost always, unsolicited opinions, advice or subtly jab; I have been told I made a huge mistake stepping away from teaching or that I should have taken a different route, to care for my special needs son, homeschool my own children, run my home-based business, manage my blog, and write my first book. If I am not careful, I let those opinions seep into my head, and I begin to question whether or not I have the ability to achieve them. Then, I remember, their validation was never my kick start into action. I was given the abilities, by our creator, to achieve things so much greater than what those people’s opinions would amount to. Their validation is not my why and fuel to keep going. Seeking validation will hinder your entire journey, especially, if you do not release your desire for it. Go after your dreams without it.
If there is a tug on your heart to do something, I hope you listen to it. Go after it with your whole heart, regardless of what those around you might say. Forget about all the reasons it might not work and chase after the one reason it will! In this process, I hope you see the true value of pushing through, without people's validation, despite what the world thinks, says or doesn't. May you always be brave enough and bold enough to chase after your dreams, allowing your validation to be the only one that drives you!
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Colossians 3:23