1. Is it true?
I think it would feel really good.

2. Can you absolutely know that it is true?
Not if it comes at the price of selling myself.

3. How do you react when you think that thought?
I try to achieve something. A lot of my motivation comes from that thought.

With that thought I am dependent on their opinion of me. With that thought I also believe that I don’t have their approval. I feel like a victim. If only I had their approval life would be easier.

Yeah, there is a dependency. I am in their business. Out of mine. They are over there. I am over there. Nobody here to be with me. No wonder it feels lonely. I base my sense of self-worth on their opinion of me. Yikes.

4. Who would you be without the thought?
I would be in my own business. I would feel freer. Less limited. No need to show off my accomplishments and try to be especially good around them. I think I would rest more in my own peace. I would feel more confident around them.

Turnarounds:
I don’t want their approval.
- Not if that means to try to be good or special around them. So much effort and stress.
- If they don’t feel that way. I don’t want to control their thoughts if they don’t feel that way.
- I may feel the fear to lose it and try to do whatever it takes to keep that approval. Again, stressful.
- Because without their approval I really get to look at my own sense of self-worth (which ultimately will lead to more clarity and independence).

They want my approval.
Their business. But who knows. They could be just like me.

I want my approval.
Isn’t that what is REALLY true? When I am convinced of what I am doing, when I am happy with it and at peace, I don’t need anybody’s approval. I KNOW that it’s good. That is the best state to be in.