Do you just hate it when shit happens and someone says to you ‘everything happens for a reason.’ Do you outwardly say, ‘I know,’ but inside you’re screaming, ‘oh shut the f**k up.’ No? It’s only me? Oh well.
This week I was introduced to the concept that rejection is a form of Spirit’s protection.
Rejection is only a form of Spirit’s protection.
Oh wow – that caused a major shift.
Of course, this is a form of, ‘everything happens for a reason,’ but somehow it it feels more concrete and gives me a reason for the rejection that feels better – Spirit is actively protecting me.
It’s not that someone doesn’t want me – it’s that someone is working hard to protect me. And if someone’s working hard to protect me they must really love me! Oooh – warm and fuzzy.
That makes rejection feel a whole lot less personal because it’s not about you – it’s about Spirit’s plan; and a whole lot more personal because it’s all about you being protected. Life’s paradox in action.
Rejection is only a form of Spirit’s protection. bit.ly/ZmVyxs
— Sarah Steele (@managingu) February 18, 2013
Whether it’s a relationship (surely the hardest form of rejection), being passed up for promotion or clients not buying a product – it’s not personal and it’s not about rejection, it’s about protection from going down the wrong path. And if we are constantly being ‘protected’ from the decisions we are making then we should pay attention to the message.
At the same time, we need to recognize the difference between Spirit’s protection, giving up at the first hurdle and determination. There’s a fine line between being lazy and giving up too easily, being stubborn and not paying attention to the signs and knowing when to get then freakin’ message.
So next time you find yourself suffering from the Disease to Please (a largely female disease) and taking actions just to avoid rejection remind yourself that it’s not about you not being good enough – it’s about Spirit doing what it needs to do to keep you on the right path.
I’d love to hear your views on this in the comments below. Do you find yourself acting to avoid rejection? How do you handle rejection when it does come? How do you know the difference between being determined and being stubborn?
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Love this post, Sarah. Rejection is most definitely a form of protection. It’s a hard sentence to swallow a lot of times, especially when it FEELS personal. But a lot of times, you end up seeing why the rejection was the best thing that ever happened to you.
I think when it comes to trying to figure out whether to move on or try again, putting it aside for a little bit makes it a lot easier for me to decide what to do. Having a bit of time for the hurt to lessen a bit makes it easier to be more objective and makes the decision you ultimately end up making one that is the best one for you.
I love this idea and I certainly needed to hear it right now. Thank you – I’m going to print and put it above my desk!
Hi Amanda, I love that you printed it out and put it above your desk where you can see it every day! Isn’t amazing how we find just what we need when we need it? More divine protection. Stay strong.
Well, that puts it into a cleaner perspective. There isn’t a lot of wondering why with this. It is definitely true too…in almost any case, you have been protected by rejection. Maybe we should just change the word rejection:) Thanks! ~Cathy
Hi Cathy, I agree – let’s just delete rejection from our vocabulary and reframe it to protection. I’m definitely going to do that!
What a perfect topic:) In my business, rejection is a natural part of the uniform. Speaking with homeowners that may or may not be interested in selling is a common activity, and sometimes the answer is No. I practice letting go, and saying to myself this simple word “Next”. I’ll admit, some days are easier than others, and everyday, everytime I practice, it gets easier:) Happy to see my rejection muscle getting stronger. It’s nothing personal, just business and I choose how I take it in:)
Hi Regena, So good to hear from you! Yes, realtor’s must have to develop a very thick skin indeed, and recognizing that you get to choose how you take it in definitely the key.
Sarah – Great post. I’ve been told that what is good for me doesn’t always feel good. Looking at rejection from this perspective does help ease my anxiety and I feel better. My spirit must be watching out for me because this was very helpful tonight. xo
Hi Sarah — I love this reframe. Sometimes looking at things differently really CAN make all the difference. My grandma always said, “Things happen for a reason.” There are days when that feels like good advice. Other days, I feel more like you and think to myself — are you freaking kidding me!?!
While I’m here, I’ll also share a favorite of mine that is along these lines. It’s a quote from Desiderata: “… whether or not it’s clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.”
Namaste. XO
I can sort of see rejection being a form of protection. When I’m looking at relationships and business related things. But “everything happens for a reason” I can’t get fully behind. I can’t see the reason in a lot of more seriously bad things that happen in life (accidents, mother-nature events, murder).
Sarah, this is a genius post… I in fact coach quite a bit that rejection from a man is divine protection. But for some reason it didn’t cross my mind in business. I am glad you brought this up… and I love how you point out that you have to look at the pattern of rejection… Thanks for this.
Jenn, occasionally I have a bout of genius in me – normally about once a year! Isn’t it amazing how we can know something but just don’t think of it in a different context until somebody points out the obvious? Happens all the time. Sarah
I have really Gotten That Message this past year!!! I also realized I Rejected those people and situations FIRST… not consciously of course… but “Something” in me said I was Not in My Right Place… I, of course, Didn’t know what to do or how to Gracefully Extract myself… and, often, wanted to FIT IN anyways… Then came the “Rejection”… it Really Hurt… until I Understood…