Rejection: How to Survive It (and Grow From It) 

Valeria Matto Co-Founder

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Rejection hurts. Whether it’s not getting into a school, being ignored by someone you care about, losing an opportunity, or feeling excluded, rejection can make you question your worth.

At Bloom, we want you to know one thing first: rejection is an experience, not an identity.

 

Why Rejection Hurts So Much:

Humans are wired for connection. When we’re rejected, our brain often interprets it as danger or failure. This can trigger feelings like self-doubt, shame, sadness, anger, fear of trying again, etc.  These reactions are normal. Feeling hurt doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you are human. 

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However, rejection is not proof you're not good enough. It's not a final judgment of your value or a reflection of your full potential. Sometimes rejection happens because of timing, circumstances, or factors completely outside your control.

 

Here are some tips to survive rejection: 

1. Let Yourself Feel It: don’t feel like you need to rush to “get over it.” Crying is okay! Talk with someone about your feelings. Write it down if you want to as well. Suppressing emotions can make them feel more intense later. 

 

2. Separate Who You Are From What Happened: This one is crucial! You were rejected from something, not as a person. One outcome does not define your intelligence, talent, or worth.

 

3. Challenge the Negative Story: After rejection, our inner voice can become harsh. Be kinder to yourself than your mind wants to be.

 

4. Don't Compare Yourself: Comparing your journey to someone else’s only deepens the pain. Everyone’s path looks different.

 

5. Use Rejection as Information: Sometimes rejection shows you where to grow, what to adjust, or what isn’t meant for you. Growth often begins where disappointment lives.

 

6. Keep Showing Up: Rejection can make you want to stop trying. But resilience is built when you keep going despite fear. Progress doesn’t come from never failing, it comes from not quitting after failing. 

Bloom Reminder: ​

Rejection might close a door, but it doesn't define you. It does not erase your future. The core of Bloom is the belief that growth can always be found within pain. Find strength and growth even in the moments that hurt the most.

 

You're not alone! And you never have to face rejection without support. 

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