You Might As Well Just Give Up
The words scrawled on the sidewalk glared back at me as I took my brisk walk along the Santa Barbara beach path. Who could be feeling so alone, so fed up and hurt that they’d take the time to write the words, “You Might As Well Just Give Up,” in huge letters on the sidewalk in a black marking pen?
What struck me was the concurrence of gorgeous clear water under a bright blue sky and the sweet smell of Spring all around me, with these sad words of disillusionment. Were they written by a person who not only couldn’t feel their beauty, but let this outside beauty seep in?
I’m not even feeling down, and yet getting away for a few days and working in this hotel room with a view of the ocean, has given me a sense of renewal. While my husband is in a conference, I’m balancing work and taking time off for fun.
From time to time, we’ve all felt disappointed, rejected or just confused. Find ways to renew yourself. Take a drive, a walk, go somewhere that might give you too a fresh perspective – and be open to it. Don’t let yourself get bogged down in negative or “no way out” thinking. If quiet reflection works, do that. But know too there is always someone you can talk with who’ll listen and support you.
If you don’t have caring friends, create them in your life. If you don’t have someone in your work industry to go over problems with, attend a network meeting and find a few reliable and confidential individuals. The best time to gather these human resources are when things are going right.
Just keep in mind, that there is always a solution and a way to be with what’s occurring and don’t give up.
Tags: dealing with disappointment, positive thinking vs. negative thinking, rejection
May 8th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Very moving and thought provoking Laurie -thank you
I have just been unsuccessful in my applications as Head of Art in the local secondary school. This was really my last chance I saw it to a return to teaching as although very well qualified and experienced I have not been teaching for over 9 years now.
I was gutted to find that I had not even been short listed and could well have just thrown the towel in – for a few hours I felt pretty low.
However – now I am focused and understand that teaching is just not the route for me, my head is now buzzing with new business avenues and art related activities. Now only one day on I am already sourcing support in my new venture ideas and the future looks positive.
Never give up. Every experience has a silver lining. I now thank Kings Of Wessex, cheddar for rejecting me, a painful learning curve but one that guides me to a rosier future
May 8th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Joy, thanks for writing and sharing a “painful learning curve.” You sound like you have rebounded quickly, congratulations! Consider that just one rejection doesn’t mean you’re not eligible for returning to teaching, though. Sometimes when we don’t have the breakthroughs we expect, we can get off that path and point ourselves in a new direction, or simply turn another 45 degrees on the path we’re on and try again. If you really want to teach, go for it! But if not being accepted on the first go-round has confirmed other art-related activities you prefer to do, then all the best to you in bringing those dreams to fruition.
May 8th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
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