Not There Yet, But No Longer Who I Was

In the spirit of throwback Thursday, my thought went back to a particular growth detail when I looked at this picture on my gallery minutes ago.

I've shared before that it's not easy to see growth when you're so focused on a particular kind of growth, we look in the wrong places for growth.

But today, while I was checking out my photos from days before, this picture came by and my mind traveled to what I used to think back then.

The picture looks good, it's beautiful and I particularly love the monochrome edit on it but it sent a message back then and even now, it does.

I wasn't accepting myself the way I am, I thought looking good will make people accept me when in actual sense, I haven't accepted the me I see.

I may not have said it to myself back then, I would even argue that I do love and appreciate myself then. But I've learned now and I disagree.

I've actually learned to accept who I am, and I am learning to grow in who I am to become an even better person with time. I learned that over time.

It's funny how a lot of people are going about seeking validation for everything they decide to do when they can do so much without it, crazy!

Well, I'm not there yet but I'm way better than who I was in that picture and I mean, by the mindset shift, the realizations and desire to grow with it.

I know I might still do some things to gain approval from people, I may seek validation to do some things but I'm much aware now than I was.

Do share, what do you think about seeking approval? Are there hacks you've learned to overcome it and just "Do You"? I'd love to know about it and learn from you while on this journey.