If you clicked on this article, I am going to assume you've faced rejection. It could've been a boy/girl, a friend, an application you sent out–the list goes on and on. So have I.
It's hard to remember that life doesn't end here. It doesn't matter if the rejection was from your dream job and it would've "changed everything" about your life, or if it was a simple "no, thanks" to your offer to take someone on a date, and your day continued on as if nothing ever happened in the first place. Rejection burns, badly. Time heals all wounds, but the wait is a struggle.
In times of rejection, just remember you are most often the one who feels as though it's a huge deal. But if the job thought they found someone better, if the boy/girl didn't want you, if the school said no–in essence, they are saving you a lot of frustration later down the line.
Rejection might burn now, but think of the burden of lost time. If you were to have been taken in, they would have been dishonest, and you would have been uncomfortable. Why should you surround yourself with those or commit to spending time in a place that doesn't see your incredible talents? A place that doesn't see your intelligence, creativity, passion and dedication? Maybe it wasn't enough for them, and that's a shame, but you have to remember it's all still there.
Sometimes I admit to not taking my own advice. We all deserve to have time to feel all the pain brought on from rejection, but it sure better not be for long. The best way to overcome rejection is to find who does see that intelligence, creativity, passion and dedication. It might not happen overnight and it could take a few tries, but when it finally happens, it'll be so worth it.
To my rejectors: thank you. Thank you for teaching me how to support myself when you wouldn't. Thank you for giving me the strength to rely on my own judgement and not yours. Thank you for saving me so much time not having to try to hard to change your mind and please you.
Stay optimistic and stay true to yourself. Remember you're worth something, and just because you didn't get what you want now, doesn't mean it won't be infinitely better in the end.
