IWSG: Rejected or Redirected?
At one time or another in our life journey, we all experience rejection. Rejection hurts. As a child on the playground at school, a young adult seeking that elusive first job or date, a writer getting yet another rejection letter. Rejection hurts. Why don't they like me? Why didn't I get the job? Why isn't my book good enough? Rejection hurts, and it often leads to self-doubt.
In the past, I've been guilty of letting rejection eat away at my self-esteem and bring on periods of self-doubt. (yes, I may have wallowed in it a time or two!) While it's normal to seek acceptance in all we do and to be hurt if we fail to receive it, it's only a tragedy if we let it derail us from our journey. Rejected doesn't mean failure. It doesn't mean you're less than someone else. It doesn't mean you're unlovable. It doesn't mean your book doesn't have potential. It only means that for that particular moment in time, you did not have what that peer, employer, or publisher was looking for. Find the right person, situation, and/or path and redirect yourself.
Have you ever been rejected only to have something better come along - something you would have missed had you not been previously rejected? Take rejections and redirect them into positives...into something better for you. Received another rejection slip? Take another look at your book or article...can you make it better? Tighten it up? Edit it one more time? (gasp!) Have you submitted it to an agent/publisher who is the right fit for you & the material you write? Always keep your eyes open for possibilities.
Remember that being rejected doesn't mean you should give up your dreams. It means it's time for you to reassess your situation and decide your next course of action. Turn being Rejected into being Redirected! See what happens. Being refused entry into one door may afford you the opportunity you need to grab the keys that will open doors you only dreamed of before. Rejection hurts but it may be the best thing that ever happens to you.
9 comments:
Great post, Sandra!!! And yes, we've all been there. Thanks for the reminder that No often means, Not at this time or place.
Thanks, Nancy! As hard as the word No can be to accept, it can potentially redirect us toward better opportunities in the future, if we stay open to them. It's taken me a long time to recognize & own that.
What a nice way of looking at things :)
Being rejected has definitely helped me in the past. Sometimes, it is the push you need to make a change!
happy IWSG day!
It definitely can be, Amelia! Thanks for stopping by!
I always believe that a rejection letter means that agent/editor was no the right one, or maybe it's just not the right time. But that time and agent/editor will be there when it's right.
When one door closes, another one opens. There are so many opportunities and paths to take, so we shouldn't feel bad when one of them doesn't pan out. There's still a lot more. Either way, life is always an adventure and is what we make of it. Thanks for the insight, Sandra!
Gwen Gardner, IWSG Co-host (and new follower!)
So true, Chrys! I believe that too.
I couldn't agree more, Gwen! No from one person may be a big yes from someone else...at the right time. I often remind myself to keep my eyes on the prize...it will happen! Thanks for hosting this month and for the follow!
This is good advice for all walks of life, not just writing. Thanks for sharing and reminding us to stay positive.
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