Rejection/Redirection.
Different words, same meaning. A personal reflection.
Rejection. It can sting. It can make us feel defeated. It can make us want to give up entirely. A painful blow to the ego.
Or is it?
I’ve faced rejection plenty of times in my life and still do today. A pivotal, memorable moment was during my sophomore year of High School, I applied to be in a creative writing program. The Spotlight (gifted program) director looked over my application and said, “I don’t think you’d be a good candidate for the program. We are looking for students with better grades (I made As and Bs) and who display a higher potential.” I was crushed and ran out of the room crying (my Leo moon knows how to make a dramatic exit!) Although her response was a bit callus, I wish I could have told my younger self to take the opportunity to thank her and ask what I could have done to improve my writing. I chalk it up to being young, and it was a big deal for my shy, introverted self to go out on a limb and sign up for anything.
Not long after, my English teacher Mrs. Johnson announced she was wanting to start a literary magazine to be published in the Spring. Still tender from my recent rejection, I was intrigued and asked if only gifted students were allowed to participate. “No, you just have to have a passion for writing!” There was a culling process to be in the magazine, and all of my works made it in. I was elated! I also contributed some of my art work, including on the cover, a collaboration with another student.
I share this story for a reason. Today, years later, I have multiple published articles under my belt, and artwork - my photography- hanging in establishments all over Memphis. I was not handed these opportunities, and I worked hard for it. I attribute my strong work ethic to the rejection I have faced. I do not take anything for granted. And my passion for writing hasn’t dwindled.
I share this story because it’s one example of rejection turning into redirection. Had I allowed not getting into the gifted program to stunt me, I would have never had participated in the magazine, and ultimately found something rewarding instead that helped build my confidence back. Mrs. Johnson was easily one of my most cherished teachers back then, but she inadvertently taught me how rejection isn’t the end of the road. Today, I help my clients who have faced painful rejection in their personal and professional lives overcome the repercussions.
Spirit often says, “Rejection is nothing more than redirection.” That’s been a motto I live by.
Some cynics have said to me, “Yeah right, you didn’t get what you wanted, so you settled and you’ve convinced yourself that this is the better situation so you don’t have to accept failure.” I wholeheartedly disagree - true rejection comes from rejection of self and the real failure is you not seeing the blessing in the redirection. It can lead you down a path to something even more amazing than your mind can conjure. In a world of highlight reels, we often do not see what “successful” (however you define success) people have endured in order to get to where they are. To me, a successful person knows how to accept their limitations and flaws and inevitably learns how to use it to perpetuate personal growth. A healthy mindset, consistent effort, being adaptable and trusting myself (and spirit) has helped me achieve my goals.
The next time you face rejection, take a breath and remember:
Rejection doesn’t define us, even if the world tells us it does.
It is an opportunity to try a new way of doing things.
Rejection is inevitable and allows us a chance to be in gratitude for what we do have.
It says nothing about us as a person, but everything about our resilience.
All of this can become part of your testimony when you do reach your goal. You can actually inspire others with how you chose to handle rejection.
Do you have any advice or personal story on how to overcome rejection to share with others? Please drop it in the comments!