Life often presents challenges, and rejection can be one of the hardest to face. In this story, I will share how my daughter and I both encountered a difficult time in our lives. I will also explain how we were able to deal with our rejections together. Through love and support, we navigated these challenges and grew stronger as a result.
Dealing with Our Rejections
On July 22, I drove from Sacramento to San Diego to help my daughters settle into their new home. The moving truck was full of furniture and household items, and I was there to support them as they started this new chapter in their lives. But this trip wasn’t just about helping them—it was also an important step in my own journey.
I was in the final stages of getting medical clearance for the Peace Corps, preparing to leave for Namibia in just a month. I was excited to serve as a volunteer in Economic Development for 27 months. Therefore, I was giving most of my belongings to my daughters, knowing I would be away for a while.
Then, just a day before my birthday, I received an email that shattered my plans. It was a rejection letter from the Peace Corps. After months of working hard and dreaming about making a difference, the news felt like a heavy blow.
Just two days after my own rejection, my younger daughter Ally faced her own heartbreak. After months of job hunting, she finally got a role she loved, only to be laid off shortly after. The timing couldn’t have been worse, and my heart broke as I watched her dreams unravel and her confidence take a hit. It was a tough time for both of us, dealing with rejection and feeling unsure about what the future held.
Supporting Each Other Through Our Rejections
As a mother, it was incredibly hard to watch my daughter go through such a painful experience. Her disappointment and fear were just like mine as we both dealt with our rejections. At that moment, it felt as though we were carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders.
Even though we were both hurting, this difficult time brought us closer. I knew I had to stay strong for my daughter, just like she had been strong for me in the past. We spent time talking, sharing our feelings, and comforting each other.
It was especially tough when she told me she felt like a failure, something I had struggled with many times. I didn’t know how to make it better, and seeing her pain was harder for me than dealing with my own rejection.
How to Deal with Rejections
Facing rejection is never easy, but it’s something we all experience at different points in life. Whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a personal goal, rejection can feel discouraging and hard to accept. However, how we handle rejection can make all the difference in moving forward.
1. Allow Yourself to Feel
The first step in dealing with rejection is to give yourself permission to feel. It’s natural to feel upset, disappointed, or even angry. So, don’t rush the process of healing; allow yourself the space to acknowledge your emotions. It’s also important to understand that feeling hurt doesn’t make you weak—it’s simply part of being human.
2. Take Time to Reflect
After the initial emotions have settled, take some time to reflect on the situation. Ask yourself what you can learn from the experience. This doesn’t mean you should blame yourself but try to see the bigger picture. Facing rejection can provide valuable lessons that help us grow and improve.
3. Offer Support to Loved Ones
Supporting others who are dealing with rejection can be just as challenging. When someone you care about is hurting, the best thing you can do is listen. Allow them to express their feelings without judgment. Reaffirm that rejection doesn’t define their worth and remind them of their strengths. Let them know they are not alone and that it’s okay to feel down, but it’s also important to keep moving forward.
4. Stay Active and Focus on Positives
Staying active can also help you and your loved ones cope with rejection. It could be something as simple as going for a walk, engaging in a hobby, or spending quality time together. Doing something that brings you joy or helps you focus on the present can take your mind off the pain of rejection. It can also give you the energy to keep moving forward.
Overcoming Rejection
Ultimately, dealing with rejection is about resilience. Embrace the love and support from those around you, and remember that setbacks are only temporary. Both you and your loved ones can learn from the experience, grow stronger, and open the door to new opportunities. Rejection is just a stepping stone on the path to something better.
For my daughter and me, our rejections taught us valuable lessons. It was difficult for both of us, especially for me, but I had to stay strong for my daughter. We learned from the experience and came out stronger. Through everything, we built an even stronger connection and became closer than ever.
For another type of hurtful rejection, take a look at my post on unwanted gifts.
