This is an open letter to every single person or thing that has rejected me.

First of all, I want to thank you. No, really. Thank you because of you rejecting me, I know I became a better person.

To that group of girls that I was never included in no matter how hard I tried, thank you. You showed me how to be a friend because I truly felt like I didn't have any. You gave me the ability to know how a friend shouldn't be-- you showed me how to be a kind, wholesome person simply because none of you were that for me. Thank you for not being my friend, thank you for being mean to me, and most of all, thank you for showing me how not to treat others.

To that coach that cut me when all I wanted was to play the sport I loved with all my heart, thank you for rejecting me. Thank you for being able to be so cold about it. Thank you for taking me away from my friends who all made the team. Thank you for making a statement by cutting me.

Without you, I would never have known what it feels like to have something truly break my heart. Thank you for showing me that I am strong enough to push through hard times. Thank you for showing me despite your rejection, I am good enough.

To the job that rejected me, my sincerest thanks. Thank you for letting me know I was just a number and replaceable. Thank you for criticizing me and telling me I wasn't good enough. Because of you, I know I can constantly improve and find people who will accept me and respect me in the workplace.

Thank you! Thank you! To everyone-- to my former sorority, to the ex-boyfriends who hurt me, to the friends who were cruel to me, and so much more! Because of each and every one of you, I am so proud of myself-- in my past, present, and future.

At some point in our lives, we are all going to feel the pain of rejection and the sting of feeling not good enough. Just know that we would never be where we are without those rejections and that each one will make you stronger and teach you something about yourself. The Butterfly Effect tells us that one small change can have the biggest impact-- and to know that each rejection, no matter how small, probably led us to where we are today-- makes me that much stronger.

So own those rejections! Love yourself and cherish how far you've come, because leaving so many things in the past is what makes you and helps you to grow.

So once again, thank you! To everyone who has rejected me, you have made me a better person, and I know that I would've been a good fit in whatever you rejected from, but quite frankly, your rejection only shows me that I deserve so much better. So thanks.