It is possible to see the value in recognition while also knowing that long before or long after receiving it, there is still more to you. You can recognize when and how it’s useful to receive input form others, while also knowing that opinions aren’t the end of the story. You can experience how validating and encouraging it is to reach a milestone in a way that others can experience as well, while also knowing that before and after those moments, and with or without the recognition, you are still allowed to be proud of your progress or growth. You are still allowed to be exhale, knowing: “there is more to this story.”
Oftentimes, it can seem as though you have to choose between being recognized in a big way or just quietly knowing that your efforts matters, when in reality, you can find meaning in both experiences. For those moments where you’re hearing “congratulations” or “I’m so proud of you,” you can take them in, and in the moments where it’s quieter and you’re not in the spotlight, you can still know that your efforts still matter
Remember that recognition is just one part of the journey, not the whole story. Whether or not there is an applause, your progress is real and meaningful. Through it all, you can still repeat to yourself: “It is possible to value recognition, while also knowing my value isn’t determined by others’ opinions. There is more to me.”
-Morgan Harper Nichols
