First off I need to give out a shout out to a fellow artist, poet & friend Truth B. Told. I remember a few months ago possibly longer Truth posted on Facebook a rejection letter from a career changing opportunity. I found his display of transparency to his fans and friends to be honest and humbling.
Far too often we as people not even as artist or creatives but as simple people shy away from exposing ourselves... From sharing those truly hard and difficult moments we endure. In this social media age of twitter & Instagram or even Facebook we have the ability to only show forth the glamour of our lives. We show only the laughs, smiles and merry moments. I find this to be more harmful than helpful because it paints this illusionary picture things are always this beautiful and perfect when in reality it quite far from the truth.
We need more of this honesty and willingness to be bare. I've decided to start with myself. Months ago I had applied for an opportunity to perform at this years massive music festival SXSW. In my heart I just knew I had the chops and the experience to garnish such an inclusion into such event. I recently received a rejection letter from my would be career changing opportunity.
I have to admit that I was absolutely disappointed and saddened because as an artist and individual constantly treading the heels of success, I feel as though I really needed this moment. So, as I sat with myself a while and reflected this is what I came to understand. "A setback doesn't have to be a step back. it can be a trampoline". What I'm saying is that failure and disappointment are invariably facts of life. However, in these moments I have found myself in a greater position to revise, rebuild, reconstruct and grow stronger mentally and spiritually. Because faith and hope are two powerful allies. This will not be the last the time that I will hear a NO or that sunken feeling that comes from rejections. It will be though, the last time I won't use my energy in a way that is going to prepare me for the moment(s) to receive my next yes.