Rejection sucks. Although it hurts like hell, remember that there is something good in rejection: knowing that you had the courage to put yourself out there – not many people do!
Rejection happens all the time – doesn’t matter if it’s at home, school, or in a relationship. At some point in our lives, we all get surprised by it, so the best thing to do is to not try to hide from rejection, but instead, work on how we deal with rejection.
This takes practice. It’s not going to be easy, and it’s not a quick fix to getting rid of the pain. But with work, the hurt of rejection will go away, and most importantly, you will grow stronger.
So, here are few things that you can do to deal with rejection in a good and healthy way:
One: try not to take things too personally. It’s easy feel like we are the only reason why we got rejected in the first place. Right now, your brain is probably telling you exactly why you are the worst person in the world. But it is important focus on reasons that explain why you were rejected, that don’t have anything do to you. Say you weren’t chosen first for a sporting team, or you weren’t invited to a birthday party. These choices have less to do with who you are and more to other people - they might be scared of what their friends think, or they are taking their hurt out on you.
Two: Once you get into the habit of reminding yourself that not everything is about you when it comes to rejection, you need to come to terms with the emotions you’re feeling. You’re going to feel hurt and stressed, but the best thing you can do is sit with the feeling, get on with your day, and remind yourself that these feelings won't last forever. Don’t try and push your emotions down. This will make the emotions feel stronger, and it will take longer for you to heal. Just let the feeling sit there, do something you enjoy, and try not to get wrapped in your thoughts.
Remember, that you are going to be rejected time and time again. It happens to everyone. Being someone who can overcome rejection says more about you than being someone who was rejected in the first place. Be patient with yourself. Things will get better.
We have provided some resources below to help you on your journey.
Change your perspective and uncover a way forward for you!
Here are some things that can help you with that.
YouTube
Great reads
Starfish by Lisa Fipps Ellie is tired of being fat-shamed and does something about it. Ever since Ellie wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash at her fifth birthday party, she's been bullied about her weight. Eventually, she stands up and accepts her self.
Happy, Healthy Minds by The School of Life This book discussed a bunch of different topics that you might deal with at your age. For example, when our parents don't understand us, or losing friends etc.
Emotions! Making Sense of Your Feelings by Mary Lamia, PhD
This book will help you understand your emotions and who you are, how you appear to others, and what you can be. While your emotional life may feel out of control, your emotions are valuable if you listen to them.
Great Films
Mulan
A girl disguises as a male warrior and joins the imperial army in order to prevent her sick father from being forced to enlist as he has no male heir.
Inside Out Eleven-year-old Riley leaves behind her life in Minnesota. She and her five core emotions, Fear, Anger, Joy, Disgust and Sadness, struggle to cope with her new life.
Chicken Little A piece of the sky falls on Chicken Little's head. When he tries to tell people, they all think he is crazy and reject him, everyone except his friends.
Turns out a whole bunch of music artists have been rejected too. You can find all their songs about dealing with rejection above
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