Every Friday, I write my Odyssey article and I ask myself, "what can I do to appeal to my audience?"
This week, however, I needed to write an article for myself. I needed something, in writing, that I can go back and read and remind myself on a daily basis. I needed something public; that way, other people can hold me to the standards that I should be holding to myself.
Being a girl in the 21st century, insecurities always rise up. This is especially true when it comes to dating or being involved with the opposite sex. As soon as rejection hits, the depression follows soon after.
I know it sounds dumb, but rejection has caused a lot of my insecurities. This is mostly true because I fall for guys who are totally a completely wrong for me. I haven't been rejected a whole lot, but the times that I have been rejected have stuck with me.
I need to publicly make some promises to myself, because my rejection has taken me so far to the point that I am almost ashamed to admit. Rejection from other people has turned into me rejecting myself, and not even giving my own self worth a second thought.
So here are some things I need to start reminding myself everyday.
First of all, I am important. I was placed on this Earth for a reason, for a specific purpose, and to fulfill certain things that God has destined for me. I have a purpose and I have a place, and no man can take that away from me.
Rejection is the other person's loss, not mine. If that person rejects me, they are missing out on so much more than I am. This is an important one. Don't place your worth in the hands of other people.
It's okay to be sad, but eventually you need to brush it off and move on. You can't let rejection drag you down, and you can't let it effect how you live your everyday life. You can't let it make you depressed, and you sure as hell can't let it show. If you're sad, go have a girls night and then wake up the next morning with a clear head.
You are a badass. I mean seriously. You work 2 jobs, are in college, and are constantly on your feet. You keep up with your friends, you still manage to stay fit, and you always make time for the people who matter most. Most teenagers are not doing that.
Lastly, don't take everything to heart. Sometimes people do things carelessly without understanding the weight of what they are doing, and you can't control that. All you can do is roll with the punches.
It's possible that I'm the only one who needs these reminders everyday; but, as a girl in this generation, I feel I'm not the only one who needs these reminders. You are important. You are smart. You are needed. Do not settle for anything less than what you deserve.