What To Do When You Feel Unappreciated

FEELING UNAPPRECIATED, IGNORED, FORGOTTEN, OR DISMISSED CAN...

...be a difficult experience to handle.  It can really weigh heavily on us, making us focus more on the negative, than the positive.  It can be lonely, and isolating, and diminishing.  

It’s important to remember, during these times when we’re feeling unappreciated, that joy and happiness and self approval all come from within.  We often feel like we need to have external approval and positive feedback in order to feel happy, and loved, but that almost always isn’t the case.  True love, and true happiness, are created in your way of thinking, and your approach to life.  

For example, if you’re feeling like you’re not getting the recognition you would like, instead of focusing on all of the negative chatter in your mind, like “I’m not good enough, nobody likes me, I don’t matter, etc.”, turn it around and tell yourself “I did a good job, the things I do matter to me, I am good enough, etc.”.  Simply redirecting your thoughts toward the positive can make a lasting impact on your overall happiness, and your perception of what’s happening around you.  

As a performer, and a composer, I often put my soul out there for the world enjoy, through my music.  I am often worried about possible criticism, or judgment I’ll receive on my music and my performances.  When I worry about what others will think, then I open myself up to my own worst enemy… my own self criticism and judgement.  And when that negative chatter starts to formulate and take over in my mind, my entire foundation of happiness and joy starts to crumble.  

Instead, I try to stay present, and mindful, and remind myself that I am good enough, and worthy of happiness.  I remind myself that I create music for me, and I share it with the world because people enjoy it, which is really just a big bonus.  And I remind myself that even though someone may not show appreciation and attention the way I want them to, it doesn’t mean they’re not feeling appreciative.  And then I do small things to bring positive direction to myself.  

1. I might post an inspirational quote or meme on social media.  It often starts a positive conversation that almost always helps me feel better.  
2. I might post a video of myself playing a favorite song, or an improvisation.  That almost always leads to positive conversation about the piece I’ve posted.  
3. I might open myself up vulnerably on social media and reveal some of my insecurities.  I’m often surprised with the amount of positive feedback and “lifting up” my friends and fans respond with.  

Redirecting any negative chatter, worries, anxiety, or thought toward the positive is usually the key to dissolving all of those things away.  And it all comes from within.  <3

Need a quicker pick-me-up? I've made a Spotify playlist of powerful and empowering music. Follow it and let me know what you think!