Processing Rejection

Last year this time, I was in such a deep depression that made me unable to eat nor sleep for days. I was burnt out from the auditions and receiving rejections AND seeing other people who got the spots I didn’t get happily updating their next steps in life on social media.

I was shattered.

A year later, after much inner-work, I am here again auditioning for my next step.

Unfortunately, recently I had to hear a flat-out “you are just not good enough” rejection speech at one of the auditions from a very influential person in the industry. At first I simply could not believe what just happened because I thought I made tremendous improvement in my work over the past year, and then I calmed myself with ‘it’s just one person’s opinion’ denial phrase but then that night I heard back another rejection letter from another big-name teacher in the field.

Ideally,

it would be the right thing to ignore two influential figures’ ‘you are not good enough’ signals and tell myself ‘keep going, you queen. You got this!’ but in reality I got really wobbly. I stayed in bed all day not allowing a ray of sunshine to get into my room thinking over and over again ‘is it the time to give up? Is God redirecting me? Is this the end of my potential in music? Is this what I really want?’

I am a fearless optimist and I usually go for what I want but It would be a lie if I say I don’t even flinch when I face rejection or failure because it’s part of the job for artists.

No.

Rejections shake me to the core.

Rejections hurt, discourage, embarrass me.

However, unlike last year, I recovered from this rut within a few days. This time, I was not shattered by it, and that was when I realized the real victory and growth that happened in me.

I zoomed out from the close-up lens of “musician Elle” to a “wholesome human Elle” and saw how grounded, detached, faithful and self-loving I had become.

So, today, I want to share my perspectives on processing rejections.

First, keep your faith in God/universe/divine being/higher intelligence that it is looking out for your best interest.

Not to justify my incapability to pass the audition, but really, what if a different position is a better suit for me? What if a different field is a better suit for me? What if a different teacher is a better mentor for me? Keep your faith that there is someone more wise and loving who is guiding you to your best life!

Second, keep believing in yourself that you are worthy to live your best life.

A phrase I tell myself often when I get into a comparative mindset is “I may not be the best musician in the world but I have a beautiful soul”. :)

Work and career is ‘a’ part of my life and it does not determine your worth.

It would be super fantastic if you knock out all of your career goals and live your dream life in that way but that’s very unlikely and that’s not the only way to fulfill your life purpose.

It may be through your relationships or posts on social media or community service or spiritual growth that you bring the most positive impact to the world around you.

Don’t let a let-down in your career discourage you from living your best life!

Also, you can still envision and progress towards your ultimate career goals. There are many ways to get to that end goal!

Third, don’t take it personally.

When your vibe does not match the other sides' vibe, it’s not only natural but also better that it doesn’t work out between you two.

Remember, we are looking for the best match, not what looks the best on the paper.

Also, a lot of times, the other end already has an ideal candidate in their mind. You were just not what they were looking for. You are still beautiful and capable of doing great things with your skills and talents!

You are on your way to find ways to utilize your talents to the highest good.

I hope to see you rise and shine in your light soon. :)

With love,

From Elle.