Embracing the Balance.
So, I’ve been thinking about how we, as humans, manage our internal world of thoughts and feelings alongside the external world that validates and mirrors us. In this tension, I’ve come to see that our personal system of self-governance is an play between internal reflection (self-validation) and external validation (the reflection we receive from others). This balance, though often elusive, is vital to understanding who we are and how we navigate our lives. The Duality of Reflection I’ve realized that internal reflection and external validation are two sides of the same coin. Internal reflection is that introspective process where I evaluate my thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It’s the quiet dialogue I have with myself, an ongoing internal audit of who I am and what I value. But, on the other side, there’s external validation—the feedback, acknowledgment, and recognition I receive from others. This external reflection is essential because it not only reinforces my self-image but a...