18 Comments
User's avatar
Bougie Hippie's avatar

gratitude for you to remind me to have appreciation and gratitude. 💚💛🧡

Shalini's avatar

💕 love you girl!

RG's avatar

Appreciation is wonderful—it motivates, it gives us a boost, and it feels good. But seeking appreciation is different. When we chase it, it turns into a need for validation. And our worth should never depend on that.

Great article 👏👏

Shalini's avatar

Ooh! You’ve brought up a very good point! Which I didn’t really pinpoint. Thanks for bringing it up. Our worth should never be dependent on what’s others think of us. We should know our worth intrinsically and not seek validation from outside actively! Beautiful addition! Thank you RG!

RG's avatar

Darling ! It’s just that I am going through this ….

Shalini's avatar

Would you care to say more?

RG's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind words. ❤️

I completely believe that if something isn’t working for you, something better is always waiting—it’s just that we don’t notice it yet. I’ve found the same with writing.

Thank you for giving me so much strength. Words really do matter, and yours have motivated me again, reminding me that it’s okay to keep going and not worry about the results. Truly grateful!

Shalini's avatar

This is what I go by. At the end of the day, God is watching our every deed. He knows our heart and he knows when to lift us up where we truly belong. If we trust that a God exists who deeply loves us and cares for us, who is the author of our desires, then that same God who gave us those desires will also see to it that it gets fulfilled. Don’t you think?

RG's avatar

Exactly! He’s the only one who keeps me going… I’d have given up otherwise.

Shalini's avatar

So, when is so cloudy that you can’t see the sun, keep in mind that this is only passing clouds. They have to keep moving and eventually the sun will come out and cheer you on!

RG's avatar

Lately, I’ve been feeling pretty frustrated—not getting enough views, claps, or recognition for my work. I’m trying everything: writing a novel on Wattpad, working on a movie script (the draft is almost ready), posting articles on Medium and sometimes here, and even promoting my work on social media—which I hate, but I do it because I want to know I’ve given my 100%.

I recently shared my experience on Medium… and honestly, no one really seemed to care. That left me feeling that familiar frustration: the need for validation.

But today, after yelling everything out in my mind, I feel a little better—energetic even. I’m reminding myself: I just need to give my best, and the rest is in God’s hands. If recognition comes, great; if not, that’s okay too.

I know soon I’ll probably overthink again. It’s a loop I keep getting stuck in. But the truth is, giving my all and not seeing enough in return is hard—it bothers me—but I keep going anyway.

Shalini's avatar

I hear you RG. I really do. When you put our efforts 💯 into something we expect it to brings us favorable returns. And when that doesn’t happen, there’s disappointment in the air. I’ve been there many times.

Even yesterday, that’s why I felt crushed. Because what I expected and experienced in a relationship seemed unfair. To the point of me having been oblivious to it the whole time while it had been staring me in the face.

So I understand how you’re feeling about this. But I want to encourage you this thing based on my experiences in life.

If after everything you have given to something, it still doesn’t give you back returns, then maybe there’s something else in your life that is asking, begging to be seen and heard. Maybe it’s a child that needs your help and support. Maybe it’s a family member. Maybe it’s something at home that needs to be fixed. Or your job or career. I don’t know.

But if you bring in your spider senses, you will see what is calling your name loudly but you didn’t hear until now because you were fully occupied in the pursuit of your interests.

And usually, when you step into that space, and give them their due, your space will autocorrect itself and bring you blooms! Just learning from my experiences in life.

Pain is the place that makes us stop to think what’s missing. And it’s usually in place to help us move forward in our life.

Don’t be discouraged. When you put your soul into something the results may be delayed, but it’s in the process of coming to completion.

Wait for it!

Until then, be at peace ✌🏽

Kritya's avatar

Beautifully written — a reminder that even those with little can give so much, because sometimes the emptiest pockets hold the fullest hearts.

Shalini's avatar

Thank you Kritya. You always appreciate. Perhaps that’s why I wrote this piece!

Kritya's avatar

Your writing deserves all the appreciation, ma'am! It always gives a piece of advice or a point to reflect on and that's the best part :)

Shalini's avatar

Thank you so much dear! 💕

V S Uma's avatar

A gentle pat on the back is like a tonic indeed 👍🏻

Shalini's avatar

Thank you for mentioning that Uma. Tonic is nice!