My relentless craving to seek external validation was rooted in my inability to accept who I was as a person.  Realizing that the shortcomings don't define me and are a mere snapshot in time helped me embrace myself as is. I found solace in co-existing with the very vulnerabilities I was wary of. > **As ironical as it may seem, once I appeared who I was with all my flaws, I found greater acceptance.** That freed up a tremendous amount of mental energy to focus on the right things versus worrying about the perception others have about me. Bringing my true self, along with all my shortcomings in every conversation, 1:1 or on stage, irrespective of the audience was liberating.