Choosing Authenticity Over Validation

It was a peaceful Saturday morning when Mita and her daughter Ana decided to take a refreshing 5-mile walk. The world around them felt serene, crisp air filled their lungs, the leaves whispered in the breeze, birds sang cheerful melodies, and the streets were calm and quiet. The sun had not yet made its grand appearance, leaving the sky painted in soft hues of dawn.

As they walked side by side, Ana broke the silence. Her voice was soft but tinged with doubt. "Mommy," she began, "I feel like nobody likes me or appreciates me at work."

Mita looked at her daughter with warm, understanding eyes. "Ana beta," she said gently, "always remember, whatever you do in life, do it with a good heart. Don’t ever look for validation from others. It’s not about what people think of you, it’s about how you see yourself."

Ana seemed unconvinced, so Mita decided to share a story, one that she hoped would resonate deeply with her daughter. She began, her tone soothing yet engaging.

"Once upon a time," Mita said, "there was a little sparrow who often admired the majestic eagle soaring high in the sky. The sparrow felt small and unimportant in comparison. One day, summoning all its courage, the sparrow flew up to the eagle and asked, 'Oh, great eagle, how can I be as revered and admired as you?'

"The eagle, wise and calm, glanced down at the sparrow and replied, 'Why do you seek validation from others, little one? Your worth is not defined by their opinions. It is found in your own understanding of your unique gifts.'

"The sparrow tilted its head curiously and asked, 'But how will I know if I am enough?'

"The eagle smiled kindly and said, 'Fly as you are. Live as you are. Sing your own song. Those who see your true beauty will admire you without you needing to seek their approval. And even if they don’t, remember this: you were born to be a sparrow, not an eagle.'

"From that day on," Mita continued, "the sparrow stopped comparing itself to the eagle. It embraced its own nature, fluttering joyfully through the trees, chirping its own beautiful melody. It no longer sought the approval of others but found happiness in simply being itself. And in doing so, it became admired in its own way, not because it tried to be something it wasn’t, but because it radiated authenticity."

Mita paused for a moment to let the story sink in. Then she added softly, "True worth lies in embracing who you are, Ana, not in chasing after the approval of others."

Ana listened intently, her mother’s words beginning to replace her doubts with a sense of clarity. She took a deep breath and said, "Thank you, Mommy. Your advice... it means so much to me. I’ll try to remember that and just be myself."

Mita smiled warmly. "That’s all I want for you... to believe in yourself and follow your heart."

From that day forward, Ana carried her mother’s wisdom with her. She stopped seeking validation from others and focused on doing her best with sincerity and passion. Over time, her confidence grew, and so did her impact on those around her.

A few years later, Ana blossomed into an extraordinary leader... one who inspired and uplifted her team with kindness and authenticity. Her employees admired her not because she demanded their approval but because she led with a genuine heart.

And just like the little sparrow in her mother’s story, Ana discovered that true admiration comes not from seeking it but from embracing who you truly are.