Rejection can often feel overwhelming. If you don’t know how to handle rejection, the feeling can crush dreams, lead to low self-esteem, and incite feelings of weakness. Do not be discouraged, though; everyone gets rejected. From getting a rejection letter from your dream college to watching the girl you like go to prom with your best friend, rejection is a fact of life for teenagers everywhere.
However, rejection is never the end. It can bring you down, but it’s important to keep your head up and to think before you drastically act. Know that one rejection cannot tell you what you can and cannot do, and remember, as cliche as it sounds, every obstacle in life can have a silver lining if you’re willing to look for it. While the silver lining may not be easy to see right now, finding it will help you to cope with the feelings you’re experiencing as a result of being rejected.
There are many normal initial reactions to dealing with rejection, so if you experience some strange symptoms, they’re usually nothing to worry about. Many common reactions to include:
- Speechlessness
- Dizziness
- Shakiness
- Feeling out of breath
- Feeling sick to your stomach
- Increased heart rate
- Sadness
Following the initial reaction, other symptoms that may come as a result of rejection include
- Depression
- Inability to concentrate
- Insomnia
- General malaise
- Disinterest
Although it’s difficult to believe, understand that these symptoms will slowly disappear, and your life will eventually go back to normal.
After the downfall, it is important to handle rejection maturely and to work to rebuild your self-esteem. Divert your attention away from negative thoughts by thinking of the positive aspects of your life. Participate in hobbies and activities that you enjoy. Also, find comfort in a friend or family member you trust; talk it out and appreciate their encouragement. It could also help to make a list of goals that you wish to achieve, as these goals will keep you motivated to continue to work harder and focus. Do not let the one rejection keep you from attaining your dreams. Instead, continue the grieving process, and continue to work towards a brighter future.
Even the most successful individuals have been rejected. R.H. Macy founded the popular department store Macy’s, but before finding success, R. H. Macy failed at seven different businesses. Harland David Sanders, also known as Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken, had his famous secret chicken recipe rejected 1,009 times before a restaurant finally accepted it. Dr. Seuss’ first book And to Think I Saw It On Mulberry Street was rejected 27 times before a publisher picked it up. These individuals, like so many before them, proved that believing in yourself in the face of rejection and being willing to try again usually lead to success.
Rejection does not define you, and your actions to overcome the rejection and move on will make you a better person. Learn from your failure, and use the experience to build yourself into the person you want to be. Strive to prove those who rejected you wrong; you’ll be a better person for it. No matter what the circumstances, rejection does not mean that you are incapable of greatness.
Parenting through the teen years can be extremely difficult, and if things have gotten out of control, there’s no shame in admitting that you need the help of an expert. The qualified staff at Christian boarding schools are an excellent resource for helping you and your family through the trying teenage years. Specializing in treating troubled and at-risk teens, these schools approach education with a balance of discipline and love, and their methods have helped countless teens transform into intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually healthy young adults.
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