Validations

Where does one's self-worth come from? From what is it determined? More often than not, it is the tangibles that we possess: material goods, looks, popularity, positions, and such. And this is especially so in today's society, where people view you by what you have, not who you are inside. Self-worth is no longer determined by how you view yourself. With interconnectivity reaching its peak, the Other plays a growing part in our lives, and how they view us matter more.

This would explain the growing trend in consumer fetishism, where we desire to be the best; buy the best; look the best, merely to make others take note of our presence. Capitalism and self-profit plays the catalyst in driving modernity towards its demise, as humanity will fall when they lose themselves.

How often do we desire to hear, "Well done," said to us by our friends, teachers, parents, and feel that we have not performed up to standard when we don't? Is giving our best even enough nowadays, when a job well done is not determined by whether you are satisfied and proud of it, but whether others are pleased. The Self dimishes so that the Other can expand.

Rarely do we find people who validate us for what we are - who we are, rather than what we have. Society bears no recognition for those anyway. Very few people today value you for the characteristics and morals you uphold today, and even fewer value you for just being human, and accept your weaknesses without hurling criticism at every possible moment, but encourage you to rise up to be the best you can be.

I'm one of the fortunate few, for I have found those who value me for what I can do, and who I am to them, not for the tangibles that come with me. I have found those who value me for being Isaac, and not for being popular or whatnot. This goes out to those who saw past me today, and saw what I could be; believed in that vision and stood by me.