WHY REJECTION DOESN’T DEFINE YOU

SELF ESTEEM

Jan 2

Written By Jenny moise

Rejection is the worst.
It makes you feel incompetent—like a failure, like a downright loser.

But the older I get, the more I understand this: a loss is never 100% a loss—unless you allow it to be.

What if we flipped the narrative?
What if rejection is actually beneficial?

Don’t believe me?

Protection

Think about it this way.
When your body rejects something—like a cosmetic procedure—it’s not trying to hurt you. On the surface, you might not understand what’s taking place, but it’s signaling that something doesn’t belong and needs to be removed. When you eat something bad and your body reacts with nausea, discomfort, or an allergic response, it’s doing its job: restoring balance—bringing itself back to health.

Protection doesn’t always look good.
It can be uncomfortable, painful—even ugly. But that discomfort is often the beginning of the healing process.

The same applies to life. When we cling to things that harm us—toxic relationships, draining jobs—we delay the very protection meant to save us.

That person you thought was the love of your life? Losing them can make you feel unworthy, angry, and lost—but maybe they weren’t meant to stay.

That dream job you worked so hard for? Being rejected can feel humiliating—but maybe it would’ve cost you your peace, your health, or yourself.

Redirection

I once heard that disappointment turns into opportunities.

Rejection can be a catalyst for change. Pain has a way of forcing growth— of pushing us toward the person we’ve been avoiding. Perspective doesn’t come immediately, but when it does, everything shifts and that is when our best selves flourish.

Maybe you weren’t aligned with the vision the company has—and that’s okay.
Remember those business ideas sitting in your notes? Now is the time. This might just be the moment they matter.
Maybe it’s time to apply for roles that align with your values, your schedule, your life.