Let’s be honest—we all want to feel seen, appreciated, and loved.

Sometimes it’s the praise we never got.

Or the hug we needed but didn’t receive.

Or those kind, supportive words we hoped someone would say… but didn’t.

Here’s a powerful shift that might just change everything: What you’ve been waiting for from others… might actually be yours to give.

That encouragement you long for?

That proud smile?

That gentle voice that says, “You’re doing great.”

You don’t have to wait for someone else to give it to you first. You can give it to yourself—whenever you want.

By tuning in and listening to what your inner parts are needing, and drawing from the calm wisdom of your inner Sage, you begin to fill those old empty spaces. And when you do, something beautiful happens:

Your relationships shift.

You’re no longer chasing validation—you’re living in self-love.

You’re not waiting for love, attention, or appreciation—you’ve already got it within you.

As Matt Kahn reminds us in Whatever Arises, Love That: “It’s not about waiting for the right person to show up. It’s about being the one who shows up for you.”

The next time you catch yourself wishing someone would appreciate or validate you, pause and ask: “What do I most need to hear right now?” Then say it to yourself—from the heart. Feel it and let it soak in! You don’t have to be your hardest critic. You can be your biggest fan and supporter.

You might be surprised how healing it feels to finally give yourself what you’ve always deserved.