HEARTS LIKE YOURS: Inspiring Words to Help You Live Truly, Freely and Fully

I remember waiting, day in, day out, for a sign. I wanted a head nod from my parents that I did great, a smile from a dear loved one to feel noticed, and a cheer from a friend to feel among. I remember those days and nights very well.

I remember feeling incomplete without words from the people I loved and cared for deeply. I remember the weariness that filled my heart when they were too busy to notice the girl who was just by the door, hoping for a glance from them.

I remember each time my heart slummed into my hands when the love, assurance and validation I craved didn’t come.

I remember the days I tried to become a person I thought would be more ‘acceptable’ into friendships and any relationship I wanted.

I remember turning on myself when I wasn’t still satisfied, even with the changes I thought I needed.

I truly believed that everything I needed to be loved, satisfied, happy, heard, seen and appreciated, was in other people’s hands. I needed to feed the hunger for validation; so I begged – in my words and actions “Someone, anyone, please see me!”

Maybe it was the dissatisfaction from shrinking, slaving and waiting for the validation that never came that made me sit down for a moment to take a second look inwards. Then, it began! It dawned on me that what I really needed all along was within me, not out there. I could really love myself, validate myself and live at my own pace and terms.

I no longer needed to change just to feel among. I no longer had to wait around for nothing. I could really walk away from relationships that no longer served me.

I was enough. I am enough. As broken and imperfect as I am! Even as I start over, I am worthy of only the best kind of love and affection. My feelings and needs matter.