The Need for Approval & Acceptance

Stamp of (Self) Approval necklace c/o Metal Mingle

First of all, I want to give credit where credit is due. Brighton‘s recent post about her current thoughts and feelings inspired me to write this post.

I wanted to begin this week by talking about the need for approval and acceptance. Within this year, I’ve spoken to a handful of women (my own friends too at that) who are struggling. They’re struggling with who they are yet at the same time, also hate to compare themselves.

One spoke to me and admitted that she has been watching me and another good friend. She said that she wish she is at where we are and that she hated feeling lost in her career and in life.

I spoke to another friend two weekends ago. She was struggling figuring out how to use her social media, what her content should be and even compared herself to who she was before she had her baby.

These are just a few examples and then after reading Brighton’s post where she published her most raw and honest feelings about a variety of topics, I knew I had to talk about this topic. 

Maybe you’re stuck in a rut, in a transitional stage in your life, in a season of growth, or it could be the mere fact that YOU are standing in your own way.

One thing is for certain though. No matter how hard you try…

You will NEVER be the best copycat in the world.

It’s hard watching others growing and succeeding with their goals in life. However, it’s not your life nor are their goals your goals. You need to be the best YOU and focus on your goals. 

Last Tuesday, I had the blessing to hear Robert Madu speak at our Young Adults’ One Night event. He talked about comparison. Oooo…touchy topic, right?

Since secrets don’t make friends, here are my notes:

All this is to say, be you.

All of this talk brings me to this Stamp of (Self) Approval necklace. The description of this necklace is, “A little token of self appreciation. Totally understandable. You’re awesome.” I chose this necklace because Tiffanie’s message really spoke to me. Yeah. This is my stamp of self approval necklace. God loves who He made me to be so I love who I am. For so long, I looked for approval from Him when this entire time, His dying on the cross for my sins is proof of His love and approval of me. At the end of the day, all that matters is that God approves of me and I approve myself. 

The gifts I have and my destiny is mine and no one else’s.

Not going to lie. This is something we all will be working on forever. Just take it moment by moment. When you have that thought of comparing yourself, stop and ask yourself, “Who am I trying to impress?”

The world needs your gifts, talents and dreams that no one else has. The world needs YOU.

Do you struggling with acceptance and the need for approval? 

Note: This necklace was gifted to me by Metal Mingle‘s owner and designer, Tiffanie Drayton. I was NOT asked to write a post, but as I was trying to figure out what to write today, I knew the message behind this necklace was fitting for the occasion.