Thursday, March 11, 2010

Rejection take that! Pow!! %#% Wham!! #&#

Pat Davids, here.
Margaret’s comment yesterday about celebrating with ice cream brought back a funny memory. I wasn’t celebrating a sale or finishing a new book that evening. I went out to console myself after receiving a rejection letter. (My tenth, I think.) I stopped at the grocery store and bought two containers of my favorite ice cream intent on drowning my sorrows with the help of Chunky Monkey and Black Walnut. As I was checking out the lady scanning my goods looked at me and said, “Looks like a party happening at your place tonight.”
“A pity party,” I replied. “I just got a rejection on my novel.”
She waved a hand. “Oh, what do they know? Someday you’re going to famous and I sold you ice cream.”
She lifted my spirits much more than any calorie laden treat ever could. I went home and started another book that night. I might never be famous, but I’ve sold my share of books since then. But I’ll never forget her quick assumption that I would. Isn't it funny how someone we don't know can change the way we look at life?

I go for the comfort food when I'm feeling bad, but I have a friend who burned her rejection letters in the kitchen sink. What are some ways you have dealt with rejection in your life? It doesn't have to be about a book. Maybe it was a boyfriend who dumped you, or job you wanted but didn’t get. Did you break glasses, go for a run or call a friend? Inquiring minds would like to know. We all need ways to cope.

5 comments:

  1. Thanks for this post, Pat! I loved reading how that precious lady at the check-out boosted your spirits (it's amazing how the Lord uses strangers to minister to us sometimes!). ~ Last year when I received a rejection (for a book proposal) I was so "down" I e-mailed a friend who is multi-published and doing quite well now. Her reply to me not only lifted my spririts, but I was laughing out loud! (one thing she told me was she could wallpaper a room with all her rejections!). Anyway, since then I have a better outlook and don't "take it personally" ! Blessings, Patti Jo

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  2. Some hurt worse than others. I use these as an excuse to treat myself to a banana split and then I get over it. What choice do I have? I haven't collected near as many as some people--guess that means I'm not submitting enough. (grin)

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  3. Patti Jo,
    Thanks for posting. I'm glad you have a friend who can keep you on the right track and make you laugh.
    Bless you.
    Pat

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  4. Reese,
    Thanks for stopping in, girlfriend. I hope you're having a great time with Bon Jovi tonight.
    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ah, rejection. I turn to the things that help the most:my husband, my toddler grandson, and the Flower Shuttle (which recycles flowers for those in hospice, the hospital and home who are in need of a pick me up). These things just make me feel better because I am embraced by all!

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