When being seen replaces being whole.
You post.
You share.
You wait.
Maybe it’s just a photo.
Maybe it’s an opinion.
Maybe it’s a version of yourself you crafted for approval.
And when the likes roll in?
You feel it — that little hit.
That moment of mattering.
Until it fades.
And you start reaching again.
Validation is subtle.
It doesn’t always look needy.
Sometimes it looks successful.
Curated.
Charming.
Liked by all.
But if you’re honest…
you’ve started measuring your value by someone else’s reaction to you.
You shape your words to stay palatable.
You dim parts of yourself to stay accepted.
And you confuse being understood
with being liked.
Ask yourself:
- Am I sharing this to connect — or to be chosen?
- Would I still say this if no one responded?
- Who am I when no one’s watching?
This is the Cushy way.
Truth without performance.
Connection without dependence.
Validation that starts from within.
You don’t need applause to be real.
Your enoughness isn’t up for review.
