Validation

A strong word, validation. I think that even saying it kind of brings you a bit of strength. Heck, I’m just thinking about it right now and I’m pumped! Validation is also such a graceful word; so fulfilling.

The most interesting thing about “Validation” is that everyone has the power to supply it, and yet it is such a rare thing, in most cases. So much so that when you are validated by something you did, it takes you aback, and you chew on it, and you soak it in as long as you are able to.

Now, I don’t want my preface on validation to make you think I am surrounded by friends and family who just don’t care. Two facts for you:

1. My mom is one of the most validation minded people I know. Even when you think you royally messed up, she finds something you did well in that moment and reminds you of it!
2. I have been a firm believer in “If you are doing your job, you shouldn’t be getting praise… It’s your job.”

That second point is one that I have been working on recently. I think it has to do with my parents work ethic that was instilled in me. It’s very important to me that I don’t work for brownie points and thumbs up, but instead work because I am an asset to the team, I have something to contribute, and I must prove my word. My word, of course, being that I will do my absolute best at everything that I do.

All of that being said, this last weekend had a moment of wonderful validation for me. About 6+ months ago, a friend of mine came to me and asked if I would DJ and Emcee her wedding. I interrupted her before she could finish the question and I said, “Absolutely, I won’t let you down!” Just to let you know, I had never DJ’d a wedding before. I had, in fact, emceed a wedding a year prior (and had a lot of fun, see picture!), but the DJ thing was something I had always dreamed about. One of the first things I did when I came to Colorado Media School was meet DJ A-Rich in the studio and watch him mix and play around with a DDJ. I was amazed, and immediately I knew what I was doing on my next Saturday; I was hanging out with DJ A-Rich and learning everything I could before I had to work all of the next Saturdays. A very short 2 months later, it was my time to be the DJ.

I’ll spare you the details of 6 hours of me playing music and telling people where to be and where to go. The main thing I wanted to talk about was actually what happened the morning after.

I came down to the 1st level of my hotel; it was time for my continental breakfast! I had barely been able to open my eyes, as I was pre-coffee, but I saw my new-bride-friend sitting at a table of 10 and I gave her a little good morning wave. She immediately looked at me and started clapping. Everyone else at the table turned around and saw who she saw (me), and started to clap as well. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, the other strangers of the hotel (who, by the way, were not at the wedding, therefore not privy to what the others were clapping about) saw the clapping, looked at me and must have thought, “Hey… this guys seems important!” and proceeded to clap at me as well. At that point I didn’t need coffee, I was wide awake and soaking it all in as the applause-ee, whether the applause-er knew why they were applause-ing or not.

The new-bride-friend gave me a hug and told me I was awesome, and with all the bobbling heads at the table behind her, I felt it.

VALIDATION

I’ve dreamt of being a DJ, I knew I could do it, I knew I could do a good job and have other people have a good time! And not only did I do it, someone noticed. And not only did someone notice, she told me. If you couldn’t tell, I’m still soaking it in.

Remember, you have that power, too. You have the power to validate someone. When you see something that you are impressed with, or left feeling something, tell that person! It’ll knock their socks off.

Thank you. Thank you so much for reading, you are a wonderful reader.