How to Reject Rejection: Ice Cream Not Included

“It’s not you; it is me,” she cooes. You grimace, swallowing the bitter words. From romance to career advancement, rejection is a cold, cruel mistress. It pierces our identity, plunging us into a well of despair. We question our value, lamenting life’s unfairness. Even cruelty. Some internalize its pain while others lash out on an unsuspecting family member or significant other. The common denominator: You were wronged. And it hurts. But instead of sulking or scowling, here are strategies to compartmentalize rejection for what it is: a temporary setback. Honor the feelings. Rejection stings; it deflates our self-worth. We feel inadequate or incompetent or unlovable. However painful, your feelings are legitimate. But instead of passively accepting those suffocating feelings, talk and act back. My life balm: Act the way you want to feel. During a trying job search or difficult break-up, my default response is to isolate myself. Cocooned in my cramped apartment, the thoughts batter me into submission. My apartment’s once-friendly confines constrict, exacerbating those poisonous feelings of estrangement. When Seattle’s hovering clouds spit out rain, that is my cue: engage. Even moreso when rejection threatens my mental equilibrium. As my girlfriend can attest, I may grumble about shedding those oh so comfy Carolina basketball shorts. But my self-imposed banishment is rejuvenating–even if I don’t fully realize it at the time. View rejection as a temporary setba...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: General Grief and Loss Happiness Inspiration & Hope Motivation and Inspiration Personal Self-Esteem Compassion Confidence Coping Skills Hurt Feelings Personal Growth Rejection Resilience Source Type: blogs