Have you ever felt emotionally overwhelmed and just wanted to be comforted
or have someone tell you that they understand?
It’s ok, these are natural things to want!
This is called validation.
As we begin today’s lesson, if it feels comfortable, take the deepest breath you have taken all day
and gently stretch from side to side.
To validate is to recognize how someone is feeling and let them know that their feelings
are acceptable and ok.
Here is the thing…
The someone we are validating can be ourselves!
This is called self-validation.
That’s right, the statements of validation you might offer to a friend, family member,
or significant other, you can offer to yourself.
For example, if you are feeling anxious before a big exam, you might tell yourself:
“I am feeling really nervous right now,”
“it is common to feel anxious before tests.”
Giving self-validation can sometimes ease how we are feeling
and gives us permission to be human.
It can be a great way to have compassion when we are too critical
of ourselves.
Have you ever given yourself some helpful statements of validation?
How do you think it would impact your mood?
Next time you feel yourself needing some extra comfort,
maybe see how it feels to give some self-validation.
Have a good one.