All of our lives we have been taught to look for approval. To look for acceptance. To look for a nodding head instead of one that shakes. To always hear “yes”, instead of “no.” And to always do what other say is best for us to do.

All of our lives, we seek validation. We want someone telling us that what we are doing is right. We want someone to say, “Yes, this is exactly what you should be doing and when”. We crave our lives to be accepted by others, and to be accepted by our loved ones.

But here is the cold hard truth: seeking approval is diminishing our creativity. And it is ruining some aspects of our lives. 

While we try day in and day out, to always do the right things, say the right things, and be the right thing, we are never truly seeking the approval in our own selves. What happened to making ourselves proud instead of everyone else around us? What happened to making ourselves happy instead of only pleasing everyone else?

You have got to start living for you. And no one else is involved in that equation.

If you want go live in Europe for a few months, don’t ask the people around you for approval. Don’t ask them if they think it’s a good idea. Because the truth is, you already know in your heart you want to do it. You already know it’s a good idea. So do it.

If you want to get a new job, don’t dim your own light out by asking people around you if it’s the right choice.

Don’t diminish this new opportunity by downplaying it if someone tells you, you’re making a mistake. Just take it. Bask in the fact that you can do things by yourself. Bask in the idea that you can makes these decisions without help. And that you can make these decisions based on what you want, and not anyone else.

If you want to eat an extra plate of food, or have thirds for desserts, stop looking around in a panic at other people’s plates. Stop wrestling with anxiety when people tell you that you probably shouldn’t eat that. Just do it. And eat it. And feel f**king powerful that you did what you wanted, when you wanted it. And feel sorry for everyone else who chooses to live not on their own terms.

It is a powerful thing to be able to do what you want, according to your terms.

Start living your own life the way you should’ve done a long time ago. Start doing things that you want to do,  and going places that you want to go, without someone having to discourage you.

This is your life. This is your chance. And if you make a mistake along the way, so what? It’s your mistake. Not anyone else’s. 

Start living just for yourself and watch how greater the world will feel. See how much brighter your life will be. And taste how it truly feels to get happier. Taste how it truly feels to be better and to get better. And truly live life, according to you.