Running Away vs. Moving On: Embracing Self-Validation

There’s a profound difference between running away from a situation and truly moving on. Sometimes, when hurt or wronged, we feel an urge to confront someone directly to secure closure, to offer one last explanation, or to prove, in some grand way, that we weren’t defeated by their lack of faith in us. These impulses can feel like the final step toward healing, as though their validation would make our feelings real or put the pain to rest. But, in truth, that need to convince others of our worth or demand an apology may keep us anchored to them and to our pain.

Moving on, in its truest sense, is about releasing ourselves from the need for their understanding. When we let go of our expectations of others, we make room for our own voice. This doesn’t mean our feelings don’t matter or are less real. What we feel is valid, no matter how others respond—or don’t respond. Real healing often comes when we acknowledge our emotions without needing external acknowledgement. 

To move on, we have to allow ourselves to let go of the closure we thought we needed. Life rarely ties up our stories with neat, satisfying conclusions. Often, the people we wait to understand us or feel remorse may never do so, and clinging to the hope of that can prevent us from experiencing peace and growth. True strength is found in putting those people out of our mind—not as an act of bitterness – but as a step toward reclaiming our energy and self-worth.

Forging our own closure is an act of liberation. It’s recognizing that while we can’t change how others feel, we have the power to move forward with what we feel. In doing so, we choose not to run away but to rise, carrying forward only the parts of the story that make us stronger.