I've been reading your newsletter for a few months now and look forward to it every week! But like several of the others who commented, this post *really* spoke to me. I'm a people-pleaser and a perfectionist, and can relate to so much of what you covered here. I love this concept of "rejection is protection" and am posting it on the inside of my brain, as well as sticky notes around my desk. I want to embrace the awkward, imperfect trying. That's what life is all about, isn't it? Learning and growing and becoming. Thank you for putting yourself out there, too, with this newsletter series. Your readers appreciate you!
Thank you, Jessica! And yes to the imperfect trying! (I struggle with it, too, but it does seem so worth it.) I appreciate your kind words — and you — very much.
Thank you for sharing! Definitely resonated with me. For me, the fear of rejection is often what keeps me from doing anything at all. This was a helpful reframe. :)
Just the words I needed to hear after feeling rejected by people that I contacted after many hours of research. The joy wasn't reciprocal and I have decided not to reach out to relatives who for unknown reasons don't have the interest in maintaining a relationship with me. It's hurtful. I took a chance to call them and now I have the answer. I have learn my lesson. I am moving on! Thank you for sharing and I LOVE your writing.
Yvonne, I'm so sorry to hear that happened, but you were brave to take the chance and wise to move on. Thank you for reading, and for sharing. I appreciate you.
I admire the excutive who championed, 'Rejection is protection!" Not only with art, but with making friends, this is helpful for me. Thank you and love your writing.
This one seemed like it was written just for me. I’ll just be over here practicing living with ambiguity and uncertainty. It definitely doesn’t come naturally, but I can see that it would be a good skill to have. Thanks ❤️
Caroline- Your newsletter this week was EXACTLY what I needed to read/hear/injest/feel. My high school senior son is in the midst of receiving his college acceptance/rejection letters RIGHT NOW and it's a real rollercoaster ride. I'm trying hard to be exactly what my kid needs me to be during this stressful time. . . and succeeding only half the time. Appreciated all your insights on trying and failing and trying again. Also- that map story is a killer. Think how many life "flags" you have now! All more important that those dinky college ones.
Ohh, I remember the feeling all too well. There were moments where I thought my future was over before it had even begun! For what it's worth, while I didn't get into my first choice school, I wound up going to the RIGHT one — where I met some of my best friends and ultimately discovered who I was. (While I knew admissions could be tense, I didn't fully understand how arbitrary and flawed systems can be until I watched the documentary about the "Varsity Blues" scandal. Yeesh!) Last week, I was talking to a friend from high school and mentioned how I was writing about the dreaded map. She said, "What map?" The things we find so embarrassing barely register for others! Wishing you and your son all the best — I trust it will work out!
The timing of this letter could not have been more perfect. I really needed some encouragement after a disappointment this weekend and this just shifted my perspective. Thank you thank you thank you!!
That is my favorite bumper sticker philosophy! I learned it as "Man's rejection is God's protection" and it's a nice balm for the ego (especially if the gender and religion is removed). A friend in sales was taught, "Every NO gets you closer to a YES!" It's just having that resilience and belief in who you are and what you are doing, and the patience to see it through. Until then, it's all protection/redirection, steering you on the right course. Thanks so much for re-upping this, Caroline. I wouldn't have wanted to miss it! xo
I've been reading your newsletter for a few months now and look forward to it every week! But like several of the others who commented, this post *really* spoke to me. I'm a people-pleaser and a perfectionist, and can relate to so much of what you covered here. I love this concept of "rejection is protection" and am posting it on the inside of my brain, as well as sticky notes around my desk. I want to embrace the awkward, imperfect trying. That's what life is all about, isn't it? Learning and growing and becoming. Thank you for putting yourself out there, too, with this newsletter series. Your readers appreciate you!
Thank you, Jessica! And yes to the imperfect trying! (I struggle with it, too, but it does seem so worth it.) I appreciate your kind words — and you — very much.
Thank you for sharing! Definitely resonated with me. For me, the fear of rejection is often what keeps me from doing anything at all. This was a helpful reframe. :)
Thank you! So glad to hear it was helpful. ❤️
Just the words I needed to hear after feeling rejected by people that I contacted after many hours of research. The joy wasn't reciprocal and I have decided not to reach out to relatives who for unknown reasons don't have the interest in maintaining a relationship with me. It's hurtful. I took a chance to call them and now I have the answer. I have learn my lesson. I am moving on! Thank you for sharing and I LOVE your writing.
Yvonne, I'm so sorry to hear that happened, but you were brave to take the chance and wise to move on. Thank you for reading, and for sharing. I appreciate you.
I admire the excutive who championed, 'Rejection is protection!" Not only with art, but with making friends, this is helpful for me. Thank you and love your writing.
Thank you, Michelle! You're totally right, that phrase applies so well to making friends, especially as an adult.
This one seemed like it was written just for me. I’ll just be over here practicing living with ambiguity and uncertainty. It definitely doesn’t come naturally, but I can see that it would be a good skill to have. Thanks ❤️
It's an elusive skill for me, as well, but even trying feels helpful! Thank you, Wendy. ❤️
Caroline- Your newsletter this week was EXACTLY what I needed to read/hear/injest/feel. My high school senior son is in the midst of receiving his college acceptance/rejection letters RIGHT NOW and it's a real rollercoaster ride. I'm trying hard to be exactly what my kid needs me to be during this stressful time. . . and succeeding only half the time. Appreciated all your insights on trying and failing and trying again. Also- that map story is a killer. Think how many life "flags" you have now! All more important that those dinky college ones.
Ohh, I remember the feeling all too well. There were moments where I thought my future was over before it had even begun! For what it's worth, while I didn't get into my first choice school, I wound up going to the RIGHT one — where I met some of my best friends and ultimately discovered who I was. (While I knew admissions could be tense, I didn't fully understand how arbitrary and flawed systems can be until I watched the documentary about the "Varsity Blues" scandal. Yeesh!) Last week, I was talking to a friend from high school and mentioned how I was writing about the dreaded map. She said, "What map?" The things we find so embarrassing barely register for others! Wishing you and your son all the best — I trust it will work out!
The timing of this letter could not have been more perfect. I really needed some encouragement after a disappointment this weekend and this just shifted my perspective. Thank you thank you thank you!!
I'm so glad to hear it was helpful. Hope you have a good week. ❤️
That is my favorite bumper sticker philosophy! I learned it as "Man's rejection is God's protection" and it's a nice balm for the ego (especially if the gender and religion is removed). A friend in sales was taught, "Every NO gets you closer to a YES!" It's just having that resilience and belief in who you are and what you are doing, and the patience to see it through. Until then, it's all protection/redirection, steering you on the right course. Thanks so much for re-upping this, Caroline. I wouldn't have wanted to miss it! xo
So much needed Caroline! Your words are incredible
Thank you, Minh! Always appreciate your kind words. ❤️