I got my first rejection letter in my email today. When I saw the little blue dot on my phone, my heart pounded. Decision Day was just yesterday. Was it good news? Was it bad? The anticipation twisted in my chest. I sat on the floor, surrounded by my mom, my Auntie, and my best friend. Moving boxes were stacked in the other room, waiting for my next step whatever that would be.
What if I got rejected? I asked, pulling at my sweater. What if I didn't get in?
My best friend smirked. “ Do you want to work that out before you read the letter or after?”
“Before,” I groaned. But I opened the email anyway.
I regret inform you.
The words stung for a moment. But then, something unexpected happened—I felt…okay. My heart, which had been bracing for the worst, settled. It wasn’t the answer I wanted, but it wasn’t the end. I was being redirected.
Rejection is never easy, but I’ve learned it doesn’t have to be devastating. It can be a plot twist, a blessing, or even a badge of honor. Here’s how I’ve learned to romanticize rejection and make it plot point of my story rather than a devastating disaster.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Neighborhood Fortuneteller to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.