Whose approval do you need?
“I must work harder to achieve my goal of not seeking approval from those whose approval I’m not even sure is important to me.” ~Lauren Graham, American actress
Being a people-pleaser is exhausting. When I was younger, I spent a lot of time trying to impress my parents, my teachers, the cool kids at school, and every authority figure I was told to “respect” without question. In retrospect, I wish I had some of that time back.
These days, people go to incredible lengths to get attention from virtual strangers on social media. Sometimes I’m embarrassed for them. As today’s quote suggests, it’s worth asking ourselves why we’re “seeking approval” — and from whom. ~CL
Photo: “Weeping Zeus” fountain at Cranbrook House and Gardens, by Cindy La Ferle
Cindy La Ferle
Throughout my career, I've worked as a book production editor, travel magazine editor, features writer, and weekly newspaper columnist. My award-winning lifestyles features and essays have appeared in many national magazines and anthologies, including Newsweek, Reader's Digest, The Christian Science Monitor, Writer's Digest, Victoria, Better Homes & Gardens, Bella Grace, and more. My weekly Sunday "Life Lines" column ran for 14 years in The Daily Tribune (Royal Oak, MI) and won a First Place (Local Columns) award from the Michigan Press Association. My essay collection, Writing Home, includes 93 previously published columns and essays focusing on parenthood and family life.
