I went in for a tune-up with my counselor in Waverly last week.
I told her about several situations where rejection had really upset me and sent me spiraling down emotionally.
In each situation, I recognized what was happening and came out of it quite quickly, but it hurt so much. I wanted her thoughts about how I could deal with rejection better.
She looked thoughtful, then suggested something a bit unusual.
"Your rejection button is broken," she stated.
"When you feel those feelings, you just have to stop and tell yourself 'I can't process this correctly, so I'm not even going to go there.' Then do something to comfort yourself, just like putting a band aid or ice pack on a wound."
She acknowledged that there definitely is pain associated with rejection, but I could just do something to make me feel better instead of over analyzing.
"Could it involve ice cream?" I begged.
"Sure, sometimes. Just do something that will help you feel better. Listen to music, read a book, do something fun. Go spend time with someone who loves and accepts you unconditionally."
I looked at her blankly and realized I had another problem. I don't feel that way with very many people (probably because my rejection button is broken!). I think I'm always looking for a reason for them to reject me or reading more into the slightest hint of rejection they might show.
"I guess I'll have to talk to God about that," I said.
"Well, God. There you go!"
I realized she was right. He's the only One I know loves and accepts me unconditionally. The Bible tells me that over and over again.
When those situations come where I feel rejected, I can run to Him and pour out my pain to someone who understands.
And maybe I'll have a little ice cream, too.
"He [Jesus] was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain." (Isaiah 53:3a NIV)
Is your "rejection button" broken? How can focusing on God help you to let go of the pain of rejection and get back to a healthy way of thinking?
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