The One That Got Away

How do you deal with disappointment? Just the other day I got the news – that a proposal I had submitted was not accepted. It was a potential piece of work that made my heart sing when I heard about it. I knew it was a long shot, but found myself deeply disappointed not to be chosen. I call this the one that got away.

As a journal writer, writing is how I process my life events. including the disappointments. I found myself taking a look at how I was dealing with this latest hiccup in my otherwise wildly exciting and successful progress as an entrepreneur.

I started with my journaling prompt from my second book : These Things I Know and What Do I Need Right Now? Then I did the following things:

  1. I made a list of all the parts of my life and work that are thriving.
  2. I prepared a lovely cup of tea and took some time to sit in my sunroom to spin on my Ashford Kiwi 2 spinning wheel.
  3. I allowed myself to feel the disappointment and notice where I felt it in my body.
  4. I wrote myself a note of encouragement, about how when one door closes another opens (my Mom taught me that), and the mantra “Things are always working out for me.”
Spinning curly locks in my sunroom

I realize that each time I put myself out there people hear about my work and I learn more about the process of self promotion. I know that the more proposals I submit, the greater my chances are of landing that next great opportunity. And I know that what I need right now is self kindness and time to process this disappointment before I jump back into the next exciting venture. And maybe the next one won’t be ‘the one that got away’.