“Praise does not make anything better or worse.” ~ Marcus Aurelius
Technically true, but wow, I had such a reaction to this from a “recovering-people-pleaser PAT ME ON THE HEAD” perspective. For years, I struggled with a super nasty, catastrophizing voice that I managed to murder in my late-forties with a robust overhaul of my whole life (diet, exercise, sleep, alcohol, sugar, etc.) and a new mindfulness practice (see here).
Now, I’m working on positive feedback, which is really just self-praise.
So while Aurelius is correct that praise doesn’t change the outcome, praise or, especially, “self-praise,” may indeed change one’s internal landscape which will result in a new blossoming… So… Seek not external validation but look inside, and work to improve yourself until you merit the best kind of praise… that which you give yourself.