Don’t get me wrong, I love Ellen DeGeneres just as much as the next person (probably more, actually). She loves animals, laughing, good music, the color blue, and to talk to people. Aside from her being a blond vegan Cover Girl who’s in her upper 50s, we’re pretty much twins.

However, all the time you see people pushing to “get on the Ellen Show” to get recognized. I understand she’s making an impact by reaching out to/helping those who reach out to her and I think that’s incredibly awesome. But what I don’t understand is why everyone wants to “get on Ellen” (or get their friend on Ellen) to be recognized as extraordinary. Since when did this become the verification of someone being a great person?

I’m not saying fantastic people don’t deserve to be recognized, because they absolutely do. But, I find it concerning that we’ve resorted to proving to millions that we’re awesome or know an awesome person. We don’t need to win over Ellen, any famous person, or millions of people, and we don’t need to prove to all of these people that we’re capable of great things. Every person is extraordinary.

I know a lot of people will disagree with me when regarding Ellen helping people in need or those whose recognition is earned or justified, because it’s people like her who make the world better everyday. She signs off on her show, “Be kind to one another.” How wonderful is that? You can’t beat it. I’m not asking you to agree with me. I’m just asking that you think about it.

What I’m getting at is that we don’t need to be validated by what other people think of us – that’s their business. Just like we don’t need to consider how many “likes” or “favorites” we get on social media when determining the values or character of a person.

You also don’t need Ellen DeGeneres, her fans, or millions of people to tell you that you’re awesome. Because you should already know that. If you don’t, I’m telling you now. You’re great. You matter. You do great things. You’re important. Keep on being you.

Your character is also more than what the world thinks of you. It’s what you think of you. So surround yourself with people who support you, not those who judge you. And if you don’t get on Ellen’s show, then you’re still awesome.

The next time you hear an incredible story about a person, tell somebody. But please don’t feel like Ellen DeGeneres, her celebrity friends, her fans, and all of the other people need to be the ones who know because “they’re important” or “they’re famous,” because you are too. Your opinion of yourself means more than what all of those other people combined means to you. So keep making the world a better place. And remember, you’re extraordinary.