Dealing with rejection is something we all face at some point in life, whether it’s in our careers, relationships, or personal goals. It’s never easy, and it can feel like the world is closing in around us.
Recently, my daughter and I both experienced rejection at the same time. She lost her job after months of searching, and I was turned down from an opportunity I had worked hard for. It was a tough time for both of us, but through love, resilience, and mutual support, we found ways to deal with these challenges.
In this post, I’ll share how we navigated this difficult period and the lessons we learned about dealing with rejection.
The Story of Our Losses
On July 22, I embarked on a long drive from Sacramento to San Diego, where my daughters were settling into their new home. The moving truck was packed with furniture and household items. I was helping them move and setting them up for their new beginning. This trip was not just about helping them. It was also a step in my own journey.
I was in the final stages of obtaining medical clearance for the Peace Corps, with plans to leave for Namibia in just a month. I was preparing to serve as a volunteer in Economic Development for 27 months. Therefore, I was giving my daughters most of my belongings in anticipation of my departure.
The day before my birthday, July 24, I received an email that crushed my hopes. It was a letter of rejection from the Peace Corps. After pouring my heart into this dream and preparing to make a difference, the news felt like a harsh dismissal of all my efforts.
Just two days after my Peace Corps rejection, while I was still dealing with it, my younger daughter Ally faced her own heartbreak. After months of job hunting, she landed a role she loved, only to be laid off. The timing was brutal, and my heart broke as I watched her dreams unravel and her confidence take a hit.
Dealing with Rejections Together
As a mother, seeing my daughter go through such a painful experience was incredibly difficult. Her disappointment and fear mirrored my own as we both dealt with our rejections. In that moment, we were dealing with significant setbacks, and it felt like the weight of the world was on our shoulders.
Despite our shared pain, this experience brought us closer together. I knew I had to be strong for my daughter, just as she had been a source of strength for me. We spent time talking, processing our emotions, and finding comfort in each other’s company.
It was especially hard when she said she felt like a failure, something I had felt many times before. I didn’t know how to help her, and seeing her pain hurt more than dealing with my own rejection.
To stay positive, we kept active, walking with our dog, Shadow, and doing things that brought us joy. Through it all, we leaned on love and resilience. By supporting each other, we found the strength to keep moving forward and deal with our rejections together.
Supporting My Daughter Through Rejection
Rejection is part of life, but it’s never easy, especially when it happens to someone you love. Watching my daughter go through it was heartbreaking, but I knew my support could help her heal. Here are five ways I helped her deal with rejection:
1. Listening and Validating Her Feelings
The first thing I did was listen. I let my daughter express her feelings without interruption or judgment. I acknowledged her pain and assured her that it was okay to feel upset, angry, or disappointed. Sometimes, just having someone who understands and validates your emotions can be incredibly comforting when coping with a rejection.
2. Offering Reassurance and Encouragement
I reminded Ally of her strengths and past successes. I reassured her that this rejection didn’t reflect her worth or abilities. When she felt like a failure, I encouraged her to see it as a chance to grow.
I emphasized that her hard work and determination made her a winner. I also pointed out how her job-hunting skills would help her find a new position.
This positive reinforcement rebuilt her confidence and gave her the strength to keep moving forward, making it easier to deal with her rejection.
3. Helping Her Process and Reflect
After she had some time to process her emotions, I gently encouraged her to reflect on what happened. We discussed what she could learn from the experience and how she might approach similar situations in the future. This reflection helped her gain perspective and see rejection as a steppingstone rather than a setback.
4. Providing Practical Assistance
Practical help can be just as valuable as emotional support. We received the news about her loss just an hour before I was set to return home.
Rather than leaving her to face her rejection alone, I chose to stay an extra day to support her during her darkest time.
We cooked dinner together and played with our dog, Shadow, to distract ourselves. While this support lifted my daughter’s spirits and gave me some relief, I was still dealing with our rejections. The disappointment ran deeper than I had anticipated and affected me more than I expected.
5. Encouraging Self-Care
II encouraged my daughter to take care of herself both physically and emotionally, reminding her that her well-being is worth more than any job.
Furthermore, I emphasized the importance of prioritizing health and happiness over professional setbacks. I assured her that focusing on self-care would help her deal with rejection and make her more resilient for future opportunities.
Dealing with Rejection
By staying strong together, my daughter and I discovered the power of love and resilience. These experiences not only helped us deal with our rejection but also strengthened our bond. They reminded us of the importance of supporting each other through life’s hardest moments.
If you’re facing rejection, whether personally or professionally, remember it’s part of life. It can feel overwhelming despite your best efforts, but rejection often leads to growth. We come out of these moments wiser and more resilient.
So, don’t be discouraged. Every setback paves the way for a comeback, leading to even better opportunities.
