Rejection is Redirection.
(a reminder of what Living Optimistic is really about)
Rejection is Redirection
Hey friends … it’s been a minute!
If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, the honest answer is: living what I preach. The past 2 months have been full of twists and turns, the kind that make you question everything and remind you why trust matters more than attachment to a plan ever will.
(more on all the fun stories, insights and experiences to come later!)
But today, a memory popped up on Facebook, a story I wrote exactly one year ago and it hit me like a lightning bolt: this is Living Optimistic.
What I wrote a 11/3/24
One of my favorite sayings is simple but powerful: Rejection is Redirection.
Living from a place of possibility aligns with my knowing that, despite thinking I know what’s best…I only “think” that based on the story I’ve created. A story that assumes I’m in control. Sure, I can have an idea of what I want, need, or think is ideal. But that doesn’t mean I’m right.
Many people live under the illusion of absolute: the idea that there’s only one way - their way. But that’s the problem. When we cling to how we think things “need to be,” we block how things could be!
Trying to force an outcome is fear in motion.
Allowing one to unfold is trust in action.
Read that one more time. Let it sink in!
When we surrender to the flow, when we lead with trust, honesty, and love instead of fear, control, and demand, the Universe (God, Source, whatever you call it) has room to show off. Magic presents itself in ways we couldn’t have imagined, from the smallest synchronicities to the grandest plot twists. And boy oh boy will they blow your mind.
We often say we believe something better is waiting for us, but deep down, we convince ourselves that clinging to the “comfort” that we know what’s going to happen is best. So we argue with each other, with reality. We insist our way is the way. But that’s just it: there are INFINITE possibilities!!! In fact so many it’s impossible to day dream all the scenarios that can come from — not getting “what we want”.
“Rejection is Redirection” has been one of the most powerful themes of my life — but it’s really challenged my commitment to stay true to trusting during my housesitting, traveling journey I’ve been on since May 2024.
Every time a house-sit fell through (sometimes last minute!), a friend canceled plans, a yoga class was rescheduled, or a park closed due to wildfires — I was being redirected.
When the flight I wanted was too expensive, the Airbnb was booked, or I literally drove nine miles before realizing I missed my exit to Moab, what unfolded next was always better than I could’ve imagined. It’s pure comedy at this point, that every “no” has delivered me to something far more aligned than what I was trying to force.
How much do you really trust yourself?
How strong is your Faith?
Because the truth is: living in uncertainty will challenge your beliefs about control, timing, and trust. Choosing to live in uncertainty is the inevitably of facing myself in the moments I begin to (seriously) overthink and doubt “what is happening”. This is the medicine. The uncomfortable space to pause, breath and TRUST: everything is working out. Everything is right on time. Despite how hard a pill it is to swallow, we don’t get to choose which scenarios are on time. We get to choose how we respond to something NOT going as “planned” and betting on it not only revealing a new path but an opportunity even more aligned and more abundant than we thought possible.
The greatest gift of this journey has been learning to really listen to my inner whispers — and to trust in myself and the invisible safety net of synchronicity that’s always caught me.
After a lifetime of pushing boundaries and surrendering control (I’m kind of a pro at this point!), I can say this with full confidence: I’m living wide open to receiving — from Spirit, from Strangers, from Self.
Each time uncertainty stares me down, I smile and say:
“Thank you, Universe. Show me what you’ve got. I can’t wait to see what’s in store.”
And so it is.
The Story of The Photo
I’d pulled over on a twisty mountain road in the middle of nowhere, Wyoming, completely in awe of the East-facing sunset I happened to catch.
Why did I catch it?
Two hours prior into my drive, I’d pulled into a gas station to wrestle with my choices: I’d entered Wyoming. My logical plan was to drive to Casper, but in order to follow my dream, I had to drive to Cheyenne. However, the weather apps called for rain and possible winter conditions. but my inner knowing was a loud whisper to follow my heart North towards Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, despite the possibility I might drive into undesirable weather.
There I was, alone with my inner tug of war. Rather than fight to stay on track I released the need to do what seems “right”, took a huge deep breath, bet on myself and decided to follow my nudge North to scratch Mt. Rushmore off my Bucket List.
And the best part?
When I finally reached Mount Rushmore the next day, the weather was perfect. Not a cloud in the sky. Thank goodness I trusted myself! The wisdom is knowing sometimes life has to fall out of line, for us to realign… so everything can fall back, in line.
The result?
My maps routed me on back roads with hardly any cars, zero artificial light and a stunning sunset on my rear view mirror. Out of no where, I see a lake and pullover to the small turn off area. As if on cue, seconds later, a couple from England drove up, (I literally had not seen any cars) and offered to take my photo. I could not have planned this if I tried. Even better, it “happen” to be a Full Moon, one of the biggest in 2024, and the rest of my drive was straight our of a movie: a MASSIVE, magical glowing full moon lighting the way. It was so bright I turned off my headlights and could see the road ahead!! To date, this is one of the coolest drives I’ve ever experienced.
Do you have a favorite “Rejection is Redirection” story? I’d love to hear it. Feel free to reply back and share. Remember, it’s all connected.
Thank you for joining me today on this snapshot my Living Optimistic journey. A LOT has happened behind the scene since I initially invited you to join me in this special Substack space in August. I’m excited to recommit to writing and sharing stories and insights to encourage and inspire you to choose to live optimistic. Stay Tuned!