“It’s not you. It’s me.” Oh no . . . what a dreadful statement. Have you ever heard that before? It probably doesn’t feel very good to hear it, right? After all, sometimes it just seems like a pitiful excuse to bail on you, or just a sorry cop out.
But let’s try putting our biases aside for a moment and examining the phrase objectively.
Sometimes, it really isn’t you. It truly is the other party involved that has unresolved issues they need to work through. Here’s something I want you to remember. Never internalize other people’s stuff. What do I mean? I’ll tell you. Don’t ever carry around feelings of guilt, inadequacy, or dismay over another individual’s decision not to be a part of your life.
Whether it’s a business client, a friend, or relative, you can’t walk around carrying those bottled up hurts. Let’s be real. In life, differences between two parties sometimes act as walls or barriers. Truth is, these emotional fortresses are impenetrable and there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it. It doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It doesn’t mean you’re unworthy of the attention, the business, the promotion, or the praise. As unpleasant as it may seem, rejection is just a natural part of life.
There’s no use spinning your wheels and asking questions like: “What’s wrong with me? How come things never work out for me? Why am I always holding the emotional baggage left over from continuous rejection and resentment?”
No, no, no. Those are the wrong questions to ask. Instead of beating yourself up over matters beyond your control, here’s a far better idea. Recognize that it’s not your loss. On the contrary, by refusing to accept the valuable treasures you have to offer, the abandoning party misses out on a golden opportunity to experience the brightest, best, and finest that life has to offer.
You are a wonderful jewel. You are a gift to others. You have so much to offer. And just because some don’t see it doesn’t make it any less true. I want you to hold your head up high today and recognize that you’re on your way to a place where you’ll be celebrated and not tolerated.
Regardless of what happens, your sense of value and worth is not derived from others. Rather, all your help, your validity, and your confidence come from the Lord. “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1, 2 NIV).
Until next time . . . may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
