Yearning for validation

[Bookridden]

I quite often feel empty and low about my appearance and my mediocre life. I'm 50, menopausal and feel stuck.

I've noticed that the one thing that makes me feel better and alive is praise from other people. The problem is that it's never enough, and everytime I get some validation, I need more. I feel invisible without it. How to break free from this?

Ooh. Great question. First of all just acknowledge the fact that you have noticed it which is in itself amazing. I don't have any answers, but I would say increase your own awareness of it, and try and bear the uncomfortable feelings that come up while you witness how desperately you seek external approval, and then see what happens. If it becomes utterly unbearable this might be work you need support with from a therapist, but in the meantime try and observe it without judgement. Also have a think about how much power you give to negative feedback from others, and also why you allow yourself such critical self thoughts. Basically why is the opinion of another more important than your own opinion