For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance. - Psalm 94:14
As a writer, I know that rejection is a regular part of life. Sometimes an editor doesn’t like my writing style, or recently bought a similar piece, or simply doesn’t have a need for my work at the moment. Rejection comes with the business, but it always stings a bit.
Today, however, I experienced rejection in a whole new way. In an attempt to find some extra money, I purged my closet of my old business suits and took them to a consignment store. The friendly shop owner politely told me that she doesn’t carry suits because they don’t sell well. When asked if she knew anyone who might take them, she referred me to another store in town.
I hauled my suits to the next consignment store, where I heard that they were too old and out of style. So much for “classic” tailoring. However, I left with the name of yet another consignment shop.
At my third stop, I learned my duds weren’t “high end” enough. The fact that this small pile of clothes cost over $500 ten years ago is apparently meaningless in today’s resale world.
Repeatedly hearing that one’s clothes are old and cheap brings personal rejection to a whole new level, but despite this, each dismissal spurred me on to try another store. The embarrassment of peddling unwanted clothes faded, and I became boldly determined to find someone who would take my former treasures.
I started thinking, “I’d better go home and submit some stories for publication because I am not sure I’ll feel this comfortable with rejection ever again.”
Tomorrow I plan to get busy trying to consign my kids’ clothes. I think I will let them be part of the process so they can learn to get comfy with rejection too. Perhaps hearing their former favorites are undesirable will toughen them up a bit and help make the next playground squabble or careless remark from a friend just a little less hurtful.
Have you ever found a way to manage the sting of rejection for yourself or your kids? If not, I have some old suits you can try to consign!
2 comments:
Funny!:0) The only way I deal with rejection is feel the feelings and not stuff 'em. I cry. I get angry. For a little while. No more than 24 hours. Then I let it go and start typing again.
I'm laughing at your rejection story because that's why I haven't taken my things to a consignment shop, even though I keep meaning to. Funny how we let the fear of "no" stop us.
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