Rejection, Surrender and Redirection

“When there is no desire, all things are at peace.” — Lao Tzu

I recall when I threw myself into the job search. I had interviews lined up, some with companies that truly excited me, even one where a close friend worked. I felt hopeful.

But round after round, none of them led to an offer, not even the one where I had an inside referral and connection.

Eventually, the constant rejection took a toll. I stopped applying. I was burned out, emotionally drained, and done chasing something that didn’t seem to want me back.

So, I stepped away. I took a week off, spent time with my family, and disconnected. I let go.

And that’s when everything changed.

The Power of Surrender

A few weeks later, a consulting referral came out of the blue. It was a self-employed, contract opportunity, and somehow it stirred my creativity.

I didn’t have to chase it. It came to me. That’s when I realized something powerful:

When I stopped forcing the path forward, life began to flow again.

Instead of struggling upstream, I felt like I was being carried by a current, one that already knew where I needed to go.

Likewise, what’s meant for you doesn’t require struggle. Just presence, trust, and readiness.

Let go, and it will come.

When Rejection Is Actually Protection

Let me share another story, one I didn’t fully understand until connecting the dots over a year later.

During my job search, I interviewed with a tech consulting firm that looked promising. I dressed in my best suit, paid $50 for the parking spot, and gave it my all. The interview itself went well. I left feeling highly optimistic.

And then… radio silence.

No feedback. No next steps. Not even a courteous “thanks but no thanks.” They just ghosted me.

Naturally I was upset. I had poured energy and hope into that meeting, spent the week after the interview creating my 30-60-90 day plan, everything from where I’d spend my energy to how I’d build the team. And, I remember thinking, What did I do wrong?

But then, about a year later, I saw their name in the news. They had filed for insolvency. Millions owed to creditors. And I thought to myself:

Wow. I really was never meant to be there. That door didn’t close on me, it closed for me.

Trust the Timing. Trust the Detours.

If you’re in a season of uncertainty of waiting, of being told “no” more than “yes” then please take heart.

You’re not being blocked. You’re being guided.

You may not see it now, but you might be one “no” away from being saved from a situation that isn’t aligned with your purpose or your greatest, highest good.

So breathe and step back. The current knows where it’s going. What if what’s meant for you is already on its way?