The one thing that every human being needs, besides food, water and love, is acceptance.

Feeling heard.  Knowing that you are enough.
Oprah once said in a speech to Harvard grads, “The common denominator that I’ve found in every single interview is that we want to be validated.  We want to be understood.  I’ve done over 35,000 interviews in my career.   And, as soon as that camera shuts off, everyone always turns to me and, inevitably, in their own way, asks this question: “Was that okay?” I heard it from President Bush. I heard it from President Obama. I’ve heard it from heroes and from housewives.”
We all want to feel that we have something to offer.  That we matter.  That we are here for a reason. That we are doing a good job.
The thing is, the only way to get this validation is to take a chance.  To use your gifts. To say what you mean. To find others who “get you” and let that ignite your passion.
However, there will always be people who try to bring you down.  This is where selective listening is imperative.  They don’t know you.  They can’t define you.  They see you as they see themselves.  But you’re not them.

You are perfectly imperfect and you have something unique to offer the world.  There is only one you.

So start by accepting yourself.  And believing in yourself enough to let the authentic you shine through.

The universe will validate you by saying you are enough.  More than enough.

As Lao Tzu once said, “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are.  When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”