It’s an amazing time when you learn how much of a positive impact you’ve had on someone months, even years ago.

For me, it’s been great to continue getting these statements at random. My favorite one still has to be a friend who I reunited with last year, and claimed the “cloud” hanging over me when we last met in 2016 was no longer there.

More recently, and somewhat humorously, another friend revealed that if circumstances were different for themselves when we first met years ago, they may have attempted to have me as a partner. For many reasons back then, I’d have humbly declined, but still flattered.

What these moments remind me of is how well others see us is in a brighter light than we see ourselves. I remember how much I would even fish for compliments and praises, causing small bursts of joy that are more often replaced with my own confidence boosts.

Not saying I don’t appreciate them outside of me, I’m just not as reliant on them as I used to be. Sometimes it wants to resurface, but its stay is brief. Almost like a cameo appearance, without the joyful appeal.

It takes time to learn how to praise your own growth and believe in it. It’s also important to not sit in celebration so long, the one-person party blinds your progress towards what’s next for you.

Regardless of where that praise of progress comes from, treat them like checkpoints. There’s more worth cheering for as you move forward in what you wanted.

D.F.