To seek approval is to have no resting place, no sanctuary. Like all judgment, approval encourages a constant striving. It makes us uncertain of who we are and of our true value. This is as true of the approval we give to ourselves as it is of the approval we offer others. Approval can’t be trusted. It can be withdrawn at any time no matter what our track record has been. It is as nourishing of real growth as cotton candy. Yet many of us spend our lives pursuing it. -Rachel Naomi Remen, from Kitchen Table Wisdom.
There is only one person you need approval of and that is your self. For you to approve of your directions, your decisions, your skills and talents, your character, your forgiveness, your creativity, your wisdom, your own truth is the most important lesson to learn. When we become comfortable in our own skin and like the company we keep with our own being it is the journey that brings us home to our self. We get to know, love and approve of our own expression of life. We accept and approve of our own being. That is coming home. Then we move beyond our self and into the world in our own authenticity. You can give your self a hug and a pat on the back for doing the work and making the journey.