Today, I’m listening to a stoicism video on YouTube about how to use moments of rejection as learning experiences—by encouraging our own self-respect and self-worth.
Before dawn, I set an intention for the day on my Insight Timer app. Usually, I write long and winding intentions. This morning, there was a suggested intention. It read, “Today I will choose self-respect.”
I thought about it and didn’t really see how it would be the intention for today, but something about it just felt right. So, I approved it as today’s intention.
Back to using rejection as learning experiences. I think we all struggle with rejection, in some form or another. Lately, I’ve been rejected for job after job.
And in various relationships, I have not always had an easy time. Like most people, I tend to get really self-critical and feel sad. But today, I just didn’t want to feel self-critical or sad. I have a lot happening today; it is a busy day filled with things I need to do. So, I thought about the people and experiences in my life that are causing me distress and decided to choose self-respect.
Just because employers haven’t chosen me for an interview, I will not crumble and feel hopeless. I know I am skilful and can work around any obstacles in my path.
And in relationships, I don’t have to accept malice, intentional or otherwise. I can let certain relationships go because they have little value to add to my life. In some cases, the relationship just feels superficial and limited.
While letting go of being excited about a possible job or relationship feels like a small death–the experience provides a chance to grow. It is in our willingness to face discomfort that we evolve. Every time we push through discomfort, we are creating a stronger version of ourselves. And that is what I am doing today. Becoming stronger.
These are my meandering thoughts on rejection and self-respect. What are your thoughts on how to face discomfort while also growing in self-respect and self-worth?
Reality Bytes 