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:
- I made a list of all the parts of my life and work that are thriving.
- 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.
- I allowed myself to feel the disappointment and notice where I felt it in my body.
- 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.”
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’.
