Rejections are not great (obviously), but we all experience them at least once in our lives. They appear in different forms – from physical rejections in relationships, jobs, or school to emotional rejections with feeling ignored, unappreciated, or misunderstood.
I’ve had my fair share of rejections, and years ago, I’ve let many of them determine my value and worth. With every new rejection came increasing fear of chasing new adventures and experiences because I might just continue to be rejected.
For a long time, I believed that I had to be so sure of a favorable outcome in order for me to pursue something. A rejection would have led me to think that I’d wasted my time and consequently feel down afterward.
Then I’d wonder for the next couple of days why I was rejected, what I could’ve done to not be rejected, why life was troubling me, or why bother even going after something if I’m just going to end up with this result.
That’s exhausting.
That’s adding more worry to my mind and heart space.
And that’s not how I want to live my life.
I’ve come to learn and accept that rejections are blessings in disguise.
In an influencer’s words: “Rejection is protection.”
Now, every time I get a “no,” I understand that it’s because that pursuit is another person’s journey, and there is a different venture meant for me.
It could mean that I’m being protected from a challenge I’m not meant to endure.
It could mean that I won’t have to shed tears from the suffering that would’ve come with the rejection.
Now, I’m working on limiting the “What if?” mindset and accepting the “Oh well” mentality.
No matter how unknown the outcome may be, I’m going to welcome the experience because I can say, “At least I tried.”
If I get accepted, great!
If I get rejected, oh well… At least I tried.
And then I can move forward with no thought of wondering what could or would have happened if I didn’t just go for it.
Rejection is a challenge I no longer have to fear.
Rejection is a pitfall I will still get upset about, but then at least I’ll be able to move forward quicker.
Rejection is a part of life & just like many realities in life, it can be just as accepting and rewarding.
