Sometimes, rejection is not always about the other person, or about you, it might be a sign to fix something, and leave a comfort zone.
I have had my fair share of rejection, and rejection is something every human must face to become better. If you do not face rejection, you might become so comfortable in a particular place that you forget that there is so much more that you can achieve and become.
After NYSC, I made the decision of not returning home, I had thought of going to Lagos to find opportunities and broaden my knowledge in the corporate world, learn work ethic and the rest. What I didn't know was that rejection would become a nickname. LOL
I eventually left for Lagos after my Passing Out Parade (POP). I made plans and there was provision for accommodation. But about a week after my arrival, the place became seemingly uncomfortable and the owner asked that I leave, that was where rejection started, not like it was my first rejection, but facing rejection as an adult in a new environment where you barely know people, hits differently. I was completely devastated because I had not made other plans. Thankfully, my cousin lived somewhere in the mainland and I quickly placed a call to tell her I was coming to her place, she didn't know I had been in Lagos for the past one week though. So, she obliged and I took my stuff to hers, she asked what happened, we talked and that wasn't all. She told me, she had a roommate, and that her landlord wouldn't want more than two people yada yada yada... I didn't know what to say, I just knew that was my cue to leave. I just told myself "is this how you'd be roaming in Lagos?" 😂
I couldn't blame anyone because I had not even discussed with her that I was traveling to Lagos. So I just accepted my fate.
I was left with the option of traveling back home, but help came and I was accommodated by a friend's mum. I spent months there and I started working, and I got exposed to so much that I wouldn't have if I stayed at those former places...there, I understood that the rejection was to my own advantage. From there, I also got more opportunities to explore the city, and learn some more. I got inspired and I became better. Although, I also faced subsequent challenges but it didn't drain me because I knew what I wanted, and I was getting better by the day. So, it shaped me, and gave me a mindset shift.
How I handled Rejection:
I would not say I wasn't disturbed or that I never felt bad about everything that happened. Of course, like every other human I was exhausted, there were times I got depressed, I thought I wasn't good enough. It even got to a point I started blaming myself for the many rejections. But what stood out was the fact that each rejection came with a lifting, and a life lesson—it was basically a training ground for life's journey. I would get sad, worried, misunderstood, but I was determined to stay amidst the hurdles. I learn't patience and that has really shaped the way I see human relationships.
So, I didn't just give up at the slightest discomfort, I stayed, I saw each day as an opportunity to achieve my goal of going to Lagos
I was hopeful that it would get better, and it payed off, and there hasn't been any regrets. But it has rather been a blessing because I met amazing souls that have become friends and family.
To conclude, not all rejection is meant to hurt or break you, some would mould you into something beautiful, and you'd be glad that you were rejected, because you have so much that you can be that you can't afford to stay at a particular spot.
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