"Applause felt like approval, and it became a drug that soothed the pain, but only temporarily"

This quote by Anita Baker talks to the power of external validation. Applause can be a powerful incentive, supplying a sense of approval and acceptance. It can be a drug that numbs the discomfort of rejection and insecurity. However, this sensation of approval is just short-term. It does not offer an enduring option to the underlying issues. It is a momentary repair that can result in a cycle of seeking external recognition to feel much better. Eventually, it is necessary to find internal validation and self-acceptance in order to genuinely heal and move forward.