Embrace Rejection

May 20, 2013 is a date that I would never forget. Not only was it my graduation day, but it was my first real word lesson as an adult, which was how to embrace rejection.

Dr. Valerie Jarrett, who currently serves as President Barack Obama's longest serving senior advisors, was my graduation commencement speaker at Clark Atlanta University. Like any other graduate, I was super excited on this day and I looked forward to an inspirational speech that would validate my success in the world we live in. Unfortunately... Dr. Jarrett decided to keep it 100 by giving us all reality check about rejection and to get prepared to experience it as soon as we embark on our journeys as young professionals. As I was sweltering in my all black graduation rob, in my mind I was thinking,"This has got to be the most depressing commencement speech ever!" I didn't want to hear someone tell me about rejection and how to adapt to it because it's the norm. I wanted to hear something about being successful or how the sky is the limit because I graduated with my hard earned degree. But looking back 3 years later, I am truly grateful that Dr. Jarrett shared the truth about how the world operates.

IMAGE CREDIT: REJECTION LETTER FROM BIGSTOCK

Embracing rejection in my personal life has helped me protect my own sanity during the long hours I spent applying for jobs, just to receive a response back stating I'm not qualified. Rejection has taught me to develop thick skin and to not take things personal. It has also put me in the state of humility, so that I may recognize where I need to grow spiritually and mentally. In order to embrace rejection, you must first realize that there is nothing wrong with you as a person. Everyone in their life has experienced it. Just like Dr. Jarrett, her road to success required a lot of rejection, but she never let it defeat her.

We live in a world full of endless opportunities, therefore you must be patient enough to figure out which opportunity was created for you and sometimes it can take years. It took me 3 years after graduating college to finally dive into my career in the film industry, and it is only the beginning! Instead of worrying about why I wasn't good enough for the countless number of jobs I applied to, I started handling rejection like a pro by simply embracing. And I challenge you to do the same! Now watch how life challenges become easier to manage. 

Mental Detox

"Health is not jus about what you're eating or how much time you spend in the gym. It is also about what you're thinking, saying, and how you're feeding your mind." - The Orange Elephant

I think it is safe to say that we ALL need a detox from the media. We've done enough damage to our our brain by scrolling on our newsfeed reading back to back stories of death and hate, as well as watching the news for more tragic updates. Mentally this isn't healthy and our mind can only digest so much filth on a daily basis. So do yourself a favor and turn off your televisions. Spend less time on social media. Power down your technology devices a couple hours before heading to bed. Instead, focus on the things you love. If you don't know what you love to do... take time to figure it out. Play your favorite song. Spend time with your family and friends. Have brunch. Plan weekend getaways.

Don't miss out on the pure blessing and enjoyment of life with the bombardment of depressing news stories. Whatever you decide to do... Please give yourself a mental detox. Your brain deserves it.

You Are Cordially Invited Into The World Of The Orange Elephant

Thank you for accepting my invite and allowing me to stimulate your mind, body and soul with some positive energy through my blog titled, The Orange Elephant. This project was inspired through my journey as an aspiring entrepreneur and a way for me to release my creativity without boundaries. With that being said... I welcome you into the word of The Orange Elephant.

I know we're all familiar with the saying, "The elephant in the room." It is popularly used as a metaphorical idiom to express a major problem or controversial issue that needs to be addressed, sometimes causing an uncomfortable discussion. The "elephant in the room" cannot go unnoticed, but instead demands the attention of everyone whether they like it or not. There is nothing wrong with being an elephant in one's room, it all depends on which elephant you represent when you walk through the door. Based on my personality and self-reflection, I would like to say that I am more of an orange elephant during my interaction with most people. According to the color psychology of orange, this specific color represents: optimism, rejuvenation, enthusiasm, spontaneity, and positivity. "Orange is a warm and inviting color causing mental stimulation. This color also aids in the assimilation of new ideas and frees the spirit of limitations, giving those the freedom to be themselves while encouraging self-respect and the respect of others."

Being the orange elephant in the room completely redefines the definition of the phrase and the elephant's stereotype. As the orange elephant, you immediately cause a shift in the energy by restoring a balance... not overly passionate and not overly aggressive. Just like the elephant, your personality does not go unnoticed and your voice and ideas are heard. Not everyone in this world will be receptive to The Orange Elephant, but it's okay because we don't live life according to one's opinion...instead we bust through doors and fill up any and every room with our creative and warm-hearted personality!