Validation Required

Poetry

“I don’t need your
validation
or judgement
of my existence.”

I know the genesis of every scar on my body, even the invisible ones. I know what kinds of demons go bump in the night. I know what it’s like to be haunted, used, and walked over repeatedly. But worst of all, I know what it’s like to stand on the other side of perfection. I’m flawed. I’m broken. But I’m one hell of a fighter. A survivor. The kind Virgil would appreciate. I don’t bother to compete with the perception of perfection. Because I know I’m being authentic to myself and to my readers.

I’m not perfect. No one is. And I see right through you and this façade of self-validation. So feel free to criticize, mock, and pretend all you want. I’ll stay with the crowd that embraces who they are and welcomes me with open arms.

© Sarah Doughty

49 thoughts on “Validation Required”

  4. Reality is lost in the wicked, the liars and the cheats, the soul will only truly blossom when the soul accepts itself and there is a peace of body, mind and soul. We are flawed, scarred, damaged and afraid, but that make us not weak, it only makes us complete.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. A very pointed piece, Sarah. I felt like that was directed right at someone. I really liked this line “I know the genesis of every scar on my body, even the invisible ones.” And there’s no making everyone happy. It doesn’t matter how nice you are, how caring, or giving, there will always be the people who can’t accept that. And what’s worse is that they can’t just be fine with not liking you or agreeing with you, they feel the need to try to tear you down.
    So, yes! Embrace those who are open to you, care about you, and support you. And never give the rest a second thought.
    I had the feeling at one point that this was an excerpt from one of your stories, but there was a point where it felt very personal. All great pieces have a lot of the author in them though, even if they are fiction.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This isn’t exactly meant to be fiction. I’m often left scratching my head about certain things, especially on Instagram. How is it that a woman flaunting a thong in every photo is an accepted writer? Or how is the guy that mocks his readers and openly criticizes others’ words to boost their egos managing to sell books? I really don’t know why it’s so hard for people to just write and share. 💖

      Liked by 1 person

  7. I like this a lot Sarah. I think we may have had this conversation before but people who behave in this way are masking their own insecurities. You work out quickly which writers are genuine and are writing from a place of passion rather than ego. We are all flawed and it is there we find our own poetry. Thanks again for this 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ah, yes, you’re definitely right about that. I’m not necessarily a radar for the “fake” or whatever we shall call them, but the old saying of, “If something is too good to be true, odds are it is,” definitely comes to mind.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Beautiful words. You are not broken, maybe just have a few cracks, like the rest of us. I find that those that deny their cracks normally have the biggest problems. Perfection is overrated and shouldn’t be the goal. You just inspired a poem. Thanks for sharing your heart.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. I know exactly what you mean. I feel it too right now, but for me broken is so final that it can’t be fixed and I believe that only a dead person can’t be fixed and although I might be in pain and down and maybe look dead due to lack of energy or enthusiasm, I know I’m not. At least there is still hope. Have a wonderful day.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Your words have a certain charm. I feel blessed to have found your Instagram handle when I did Sarah Doughty. You have reminded me of things that I long locked up somewhere within me because the world was too much for those thoughts. ☺ I think I found my lost key now. 🙏 Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Pingback: Accepting One’s Own Imperfections | Life, the Obstacle Course

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