Approval from my peers feels good. Approval from family feels even better. But what feels best is knowing in MY HEART that I went beyond what I thought was possible and taking what I believe to be the right path for me at the time. So for me, the highest form of approval is self acceptance. Simple, not easy. Self acceptance can be the hardest of roads to travel. No pain, no gain. The need for approval must be let go of....and judgement (of self and others) and the need to feel in control (of self and others). Desire for control is a neurotic delusion. Judgements of others are reflections of self. Seeking approval from outside self is pointless. I can live without the approval others. But I will die if I don't accept myself. I accept myself with all my cracks and flaws and I silently celebrate all my goodness no matter what others say or do