2. James Houston
Sometimes in life we are faced with feeling rejected. It is really a normal part of the human experience. It is just when we feel the pain and hurt of rejection it doesn’t feel so normal. When it comes to rejection the thing that I choose to focus on is my perception of it. Mentally, I try and transform that negative experience into a positive.
Growing up I wanted to fit in with the other young men in my neighborhood. My mother was very strict so I could not do a lot of running the streets. Then once I was able to get out my conscience would not allow me to do many of the things they were into.
Over time, I eventually shut down my conscience in order to fit in a place where I did not belong. I think back often and wonder where I would be had I stayed in tune with my authentic self.
So now when I feel rejection from a woman, a job, or a boss, I remember my first rejection. I think about how I could have done so much more had I just been me.
I share my story with youth who struggle with peer pressure. I think it also applies to adults as well. Sometimes we can only see what is in front of us. What we want or maybe even feel we need may not be the best thing for us in the long run. So I handle rejection by saying I must have something better coming. So far it has been the truth as long as I am my authentic self.
