Greetings & Good Day!

You are here because you might be fighting to be heard. You could be hoping to be seen. And maybe you have been longing to be understood. How do I know? I, too, yearn for the exact same thing. I think we all require some form of acknowledgment. That is today’s subject matter—acknowledgment.

I desire success and fulfillment, but acknowledgment is a crucial part of that desire. I don’t believe wanting to be acknowledged is a negative attribute. It comes down to who you want to be acknowledged by and what you want to be acknowledged for.

For example, let’s say you give back to those less fortunate. If you want to be acknowledged by your friends, family, and strangers, you could record it and post it on social media. If you want to be acknowledged by God and appreciate the gratitude you might receive, you simply do it—and recording it is probably the furthest thing from your mind. Of course, that’s just one perspective.

The world doesn’t know why we do what we do. One person could be recording to bring awareness to the fact that there are people in their community who need help and resources, or to acknowledge the humanity of an often-overlooked community. It could be to document what will one day be history. As humans, we are quick to assume and make presumptions based on what we see. While it is easy to cast judgment, it should be just as easy to give grace.

On the other hand, one could intentionally capitalize on others in their most vulnerable state for likes or views, or consciously exploit a community without a genuine desire to serve them, all in hopes of creating a viral moment. This is clout chasing in one of the most offensive ways—done in the name of attention, not acknowledgment.

Another vile example, one that leaves no room for perspective, is the oversharing of people in their final moments. It is overwhelmingly disappointing that so many people today will pull out their phones to capture a traumatically sensitive situation, then post it to social media without any consideration for the life at hand—no compassion or empathy for loved ones, and no moral compass to filter what should be deemed as “content.” Society has become heavily desensitized, and the proof lies in the energy and attention given to posts that exploit others at their most vulnerable. They say, “clout is a hell of a drug,” and the need to seek attention at the expense of another person’s privacy and dignity feels like a cry for help. Although this may sound like a rant, my intention is simply to bring awareness to insensitive posts and remarks on social media, as well as to highlight the fine line between attention and acknowledgment. I am not here to pass judgment. I am simply on a journey of seeing things from different perspectives.

With no pun intended, I do acknowledge that sometimes decisions are made based on circumstances, while other decisions are made with intention—or a lack thereof. It is important to take time to analyze your thoughts and ideas. It is important to identify the why behind every decision. To consider others is to acknowledge their existence and make space for their significance.

I previously stated that I desire fulfillment and success rather than seeking acknowledgment. When you lead with pure intentions, you will attract acknowledgment without being dependent on validation to feel empowered. Intentionality is an attribute I value and actively practice. Do I fall short? Absolutely. Acknowledgment of self is always the first step. Humility is not only righteous—it is relatable. How can you seek acknowledgment from others without first being self-aware?

So again, who do you want to be acknowledged by, and what do you want to be acknowledged for?

And above all:

Acknowledge yourself.

You don’t need a round of applause to be valid. Most times, the deepest recognition comes from within.

With love,

Me, Myself, & Tai