This post is inspired by the Social dimension of wellness and the concept of Musical Nutrition using the song, "Humble and Kind", by Tim McGraw.
Social wellness is about relating . It's about attracting and maintaining long-lasting relationships. Further, it involves building healthy, nurturing, and supportive relationships as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around you by taking the time to listen and learn from others.
“A little consideration, a little thought for others makes all the difference.”- Winnie the Pooh
I had a beautiful friend reach out to me asking me to talk about validation. Coincidentally, a few years back, I had read a book on the subject, and it was a true eye-opener for me. If you’re not familiar with the term, validation is having the ability to recognize that a persons' opinions or feelings are true, valid, and worthwhile for that person. While I am not perfect at validating others' feelings, I am getting better at it.
“Do not deny another’s perception. Do not argue with his experience. Do not disown his feelings. Specifically, do not try to convince him that what he sees or hears or feels or senses is not so.” - Haim Ginoff
It’s common for us as individuals to want to take away the pain from our loved ones, whether they be friends or family. When we see them in pain or when something is not right, we want to take it away from them. Most often, it comes with the best of intentions that we want to solve their problems. However, what the person usually really needs is someone to just listen and understand their feelings, which is very different than trying to fix their problem!
Here are two tips on validating others:
The person wants to be heard and understood. They just want to offload their feelings without judgement or trying to fix the problem. Be there and just listen.
Don’t mix validation with agreeing. Validation doesn’t necessarily mean you’re agreeing with the persons' perspective of their situation. Rather, you are trying not to minimize the situation from their shoes while being mindful of their feelings.
“The best thing to spend on your relationship is time, conversation, understanding, and honesty.” - unknown
Remember, it is not only important to validate those you know, but also those who you don't know, such as the people you see on the streets. And with that, I leave you a song that reminds me of this important advice; always stay humble and kind when caring for your friends, relatives and the people you meet!
Recipe of the Day: Sticky Chicken Over Glass Noodles
INGREDIENTS
For 4 Servings
8 chicken thighs
2 or more tbs Chinese 5 spice powder
1 amount natural sea salt
1 amount white pepper
2 or more tbs sesame seeds
1 decent glug of sweet chilli sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a pan with oil and place chicken thighs on a board or on baking paper, seperately.
Sprinkle each thigh with salt and pepper and a decent sprinkling of Chinese 5 spice.
Place chicken with spices facing down into the pan and repeat the salt, pepper and Chinese 5 spice on the other side. I use my fingers to smear spice over the entire thigh.
Turn the chicken after approximately 4 minutes once nicely charred and cooked through.
Once the chicken has fully cooked, sprinkle each thigh with sesame seeds and a good glug of sweet chilli sauce.
Turn chicken, add more sesame seeds and drizzle with more sweet chilli. After the sauce has thickened, plate and enjoy!
Optional: I served my sticky chicken over glass noodles in a chicken broth with asparagus!
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