poetry from the soul ▪︎ wabi-sabi

validation

something i always tell people
is not to feel the need to
validate oneself and one's
experiences, hardships.

so why is it that validation
is something i often seek?
i try to justify my feelings,
my battles, my actions.

this is my life.
this is my mind.
this is my body.
this is my choice.

it is hard to stray from others.
so many other voices influencing you.
there is a desire to satisfy.
meet expectations, be praised.

humankind's constant fear to fail.
fear to let people down, disappoint.
the need to get people's approval.
be appreciated, be acknowledged.

but this is your life, not theirs.
thoughts needing confirmation
and validation, even approval.
don't let it matter. save yourself.

you do not need people to tell
you that you are wrong or right.
what you feel is ultimately
what you feel. it is okay.

cry if you need to cry.
celebrate yourself in times of pride.
nothing you feel or experience
needs confirmation from other people.

so stop living for that.
stop telling yourself that because
this person doesn't understand,
that your hardships don't matter.

you are incredibly important.
what you feel is raw, it's real.
no one else's opinions matter.
take care of yourself and your brain.

they don't understand right now.
maybe lack the capacity or empathy.
but your experiences make you more
open to feeling for others.

vulnerability is hard when others
don't have the same understanding.
but one day they might understand.
you were never wrong. you're ok.