By Idon Rosales | October 5, 2023
Amid bustling lives, do you ever wonder if you’re simply navigating through existence for mere approval and recognition?
If you’ve ever pondered this question, you’re not alone. In a world filled with pretense, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of external validation, often losing sight of our true desires and authentic selves.
It was in the silvery stillness of midnight, as I cradled a cup of coffee in my hands while listening to “La La Lost You” by Niki. It arose from an ethereal epiphany, amidst the gentle stirrings of “what if’s” and “why’s” that dance in the depths of our subconscious. What if, in that fleeting moment, I dared to risk it all? What if I whispered to the world, “I cannot, I am afraid of the morrow”? It’s a moment suspended in time when the symphony of life quiets, allowing our most intimate reveries to ascend to the forefront of our consciousness.
Our childhood lives often unfolded leisurely, allowing us to revel in the simple joys of existence. Schoolwork and societal expectations hardly weighed on our minds. We didn’t strive to fit into predefined molds or chase recognition.
But as we matured, our perspectives evolved. We yearned to achieve, to be acknowledged, and to fall into the trappings of success.
It is a common human trait to seek validation.
The accolades, trophies, and material possessions have since become markers of our worth. We often ask ourselves, “Am I genuinely happy? Or am I merely pursuing these goals to appease others?” It’s a conundrum many of us grapple with, and the answers are often elusive.
Why is it so challenging to choose paths that genuinely resonate with us? Can we find true happiness amidst the cacophony of expectations and obligations? Are we ever enough for those around us? These are the questions that haunt our daily lives.
In pursuing external validation, we unwittingly become people pleasers, driven by the fear of disappointing others or losing what we’ve gained. But as we yearn for a moment of respite from this madness, we must pause and ask ourselves: “Am I living for me—or them?”
Perhaps, deep down, all we truly need is that one shot of tequila, a metaphorical escape from the chaos—a moment to scream, cry, and reflect on what genuinely brings us joy and fulfillment. It is a reminder to reconnect with ourselves, to rediscover our authentic desires, and to prioritize our well-being.
So, as we navigate the tumultuous seas of life, let’s not forget to occasionally pause, take a deep breath, and ask ourselves: “What is it that truly makes me happy?” For in the pursuit of our happiness, we might just find the validation we’ve been seeking all along. This time, it won’t require a shot of tequila to discover.
