Validating Our Stories

Becoming aware of our stories leads to grief, but it also leads to validation. Validation is the process of recognizing and accepting something within ourselves or others affirming our experiences honoring what we’re carrying holding space for our lived experience. It’s what I felt when I any time someone has truly witnessed me. It’s what we feel when we remember we’re not alone. Validation might look like:

Being heard, seen, and understood fully

Having your feelings acknowledged

Being witnessed without trying to be changed

Honoring your lived experience

Listening to understand, not to respond

You full humanity being accepted

Making room for your feelings and emotions

Holding your story with curiosity, not judgment

Leading with empathy and positive regard

So many of us haven’t received validation. We haven’t had our difficulties held with tenderness. This isn’t because we haven’t deserved it but because most of us were not taught how to do that for other people. Our parents might not have had that experience. Their parents might not have, either. We can’t replicate what we haven’t seen.

#stewartlifecoaching #feelingvalidated #beseenheardandunderstood