Self Validation

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.