It’s not something we normally admit but fear of rejection touches us all. It’s human—very human (unless you’re a psychopath). Whether it’s between the sheets, on social media, from our inner critic, or when birthing creative work, we all fear rejection. We can appear cool and blasé but underneath our façade, we’re all jello: wobbly and desperate to feel appreciated for who we are and what we offer the world. 

But rejection deserves a fair hearing. In creative work, it can serve as feedback—an invitation to grow and improve. We all know that the most successful people out there have faced rejection before recognition—and quite likely still do. We all admire and desire success, but fear of rejection goes hand in hand with success—or doing. Anything we say or do—any way we act or show ourselves—is raw bait for rejection. But not all rejection is constructive. Sometimes, it keeps us from trying at all.

Resisting or fixating on a specific fear grants it life. The more we resist, the worse. The more we think about it, the more we make it real. But if we can look fear right in the eye—understand what’s at its core—without running from it, the truth shall set us free, Darling Marathoners.

When our work gives us a buzz and makes us feel alive, there’s no question we’re aligned with ourselves—and should give our fear the finger. But even then, there’s that quiet thought—the possibility of rejection, and the chance we might never really make it. Maybe that uncertainty is what keeps us going. Cuz only time will tell if we get it right or wrong—not to others, but to ourselves.

So why not go first to our highest thought about ourselves? 

Let’s not forget our fear offers us a chance to challenge our perceptions behind it—and to grow through wisdom. And when we don’t trust our process, the Universe can’t support us in the same way. That’s when we need to remember to let go. Let Life. Trust. Create. And just be. 

So now that we know all this… 

DO IT!… BE IT!… KNOW IT! 

We’re all unique and marvelous. We’ve been letting others’ opinions and our fears of rejection affect us far too long. Why not try approving of ourselves for a change and see what happens?