I love the word affirmation.
I consider myself to be someone who encourages others and supports them. Typically I’m okay being the giver. But sometimes as a mom, a wife, and as a human on this planet, it would be fantastic to receive that affirmation occasionally. It’s not a daily requirement, there is no tally board, and in the end, we are all flawed.
People often say that parenting is a ‘thankless’ job. They’re right (especially if you have a teenager), and yet they think it is ok to truck along like it’s no big deal to them.
I need to find some yoga pose to cure my need for affirmation. Some new morning drink to energize my soul. Perhaps a new car would make me feel better. Or, what about taking an extra pill tonight?
Rock, I’d like you to meet, bottom.
I know that everyone has been here before and we can all agree that it sucks. It leaves you feeling like no matter what you do you can’t seem to get a step up. Getting up from the bottom is like climbing a sand dune. You take three steps forward, and you slide two steps back. Have you climbed a real sand dune? (It’s harder then you expect, and as a warning, I would suggest staying away from sand dunes unless you have a death wish or you like sand everywhere that sand shouldn’t be.)
I think affirmation can even up the odd’s just a little. When you are down, and when you need a little support, something like a random compliment can make that dune look a little less daunting. Everything that I read says that I have to create my affirmation. That would mean, the root of the problem is that I care too much about what others think of me.
Perhaps these writers are onto something. After all, they’re the ones making the big bucks. Or maybe they perch high on a lamppost like vultures, studying human weaknesses and giving them more complexes than they had before.
In the end, perhaps the vultures are right. When you’re seeking affirmation and falling short, it must be because your bar is either set too high for others or set too low for yourself.
Well, I call B.S.
What is wrong with people? A thank you goes a great distance in support of the person your thanking. Help lift each other up. Personal affirmations are a very positive thing, but having your husband hug you and say that dinner was fantastic doesn’t have to be the thing of love stories.
The next time you see someone actively looking for a little bit of positive affirmation to help them make it through the day, get up and do something about it.
This story has been republished to Medium.