Validation

One aspect of my morning ritual involves writing in my journal.
My journaling––born out of a need to hold myself accountable in high school––has developed into a habit over the last twenty years of my life.
At first, the journaling was a way to talk through things with myself before “putting them out there” to the universe.
An angry rant directed toward a friend, whom I really liked but felt betrayed by; my journal was a safe space to share.
Likewise, I was free to set goals, confess sins, and think. I did a lot of thinking, overanalyzing, reading, and of course, making lists.
In time, this freedom ushered a daily routine which has served me well.
Inspiring me to dream bigger, share bigger, and trust.
Looking back on any number of journal entries unlocks a memory from my past. No doubt a useful tool for a writer, I have called on these often dramatic transcripts to relive the agonizing pain or brilliant joy.
This morning I was working through my feelings and cataloging the hints of doubt about the past year.
“Did I do this or that enough...”
“Could I have pushed more here?”
“Have I been present?”
It only took me a few seconds to get back to the present. Simultaneously answering myself and feeling like maybe I have grown this year.
So far, this hasn’t been a year of huge outward strides; yet inside, I feel like I’ve grown more as a person and artist.  I’ve held myself accountable for being present and releasing the need to overachieve.
I’ve found more balance and somehow managed to create more rewarding job opportunities, too.
I finished my journal entry and headed to yoga class feeling reinvigorated and reminded that by remaining present I have an opportunity to prioritize goals, jobs, and my life, so that I can focus on positive action without fear.
After a blissful yoga class, I walked out of the yoga studio to a voice message from production; I booked a job choreographing a TV show next week.
I’m not saying that positive energy will always get you the job; but I’ve noticed that I seem to attract the emotion I put out into the world.  Today, I worked my way thought a negative thought pattern. The moment I was realigned with my perspective, I received validation.

Validation

Sitting in a room full of creative, talented, peers;
I shared my work with total fearlessness.
The response was overwhelmingly positive.
In one instant, my years of training, struggle, tenacity was validated in the most honest and important way; a confirmation of what I’ve always believed in my heart––and why I’ve never given up.
I was reminded that I am an artist and I create because I’m meant to.
And even if only for another day, week, month, year––it was the encouragement I needed to keep on going.

Validation

It takes Faith to release fear, remove doubt and trust that what's meant to be will be...

It's overwhelmingly validating when you're rewarded with a sign that confirms you're on the right path.

No matter how many times I have to relearn this lesson, I'm always grateful when (no matter how unsure I am that I will succeed) I receive another confirmation!

I Finally Get It...

I always thought I knew exactly what my purpose was on this earth.

I have faith in God that I was put here for a reason.  

I have faith in myself that I could take the passion, determination and talent I posses and

use it to impact the lives of others.

My mistake was in believing that the only way I could make a difference was once I had achieved my

highest goal.

What finally clicked today, (and I admit it was entirely because of Oprah's last show) was that I have had an impression on every person that I have ever interacted with- and they on me.

Until today, I believed that I was living a full life-

I gave myself permission to shine a long time ago and I honestly thought I had been doing just that ever since.  

But I have not.

There was still a piece of me holding back. 

I was waiting to be validated.  

But I was seeking it from the wrong places.

Fame, money and recognition is not validation.

It is fame, money and recognition.

Today it became clear.  My life has been filled with validation.

In every job I've been blessed with, every bond that I've made, every smile I've shared, every journey and wild adventure has been a validation of my life.

Today I will stop waiting for the perfect opportunity to make a difference, and I will work to make a difference in every opportunity.