Debilitating Disappointment.

Anyone who knows me knows the excitement I felt stepping into 2020. New Year’s Eve I documented my intentions with one specific goal leading the way.  I had submitted my manuscript to a publisher, had a great conversation with the Literary Scout and was confident an offer was on its way to launch my book at the start of 2021. 

 But on January 10th, I read these words: “At this time, we don’t seem to have a fit between your manuscript and our current vision and schedule of books to be released.” I felt my heart break. I had been so sure that 2020 would be full of amazing things, including a smooth, successful book launch.  I envisioned Messages of the Monarch, How to Find Your Wings and Fly in airport bookstores, with travel plans booked in Canada and Mexico for book signings, the book translated in Spanish.  

That rejection letter was debilitating.

Waiting for their response, I put myself on hold, ready to work with the publishing team. Reading that letter unplugged any motivation I had to move forward with my speaking, coaching or writing.

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How successful have your resolutions been this month? I hope you have been hugely successful.  If not, if you too have been faced with disappointment and feel like giving up on your goal, here are words of encouragement for you, and for me: 

When we get hit hard by disappointment, the best thing we can do for ourselves is to feel it.  Be sad, cry, take a sick day or two, journal, seek counsel with a friend.

I slept a LOT, did the ugly cry, and reached out to a few friends. The response that helped me begin to shift was that I am in an elite group -- those who received rejection letters for their books.  

Stay focused on what is in front of you to do and do that. 

I literally took one day at a time. I didn’t load my calendar as I didn’t have any energy but the commitments I kept were really fruitful in other areas I was working on for my community. Even though I was sad, good things transpired. 

When you are ready, if it matters enough, begin again. 

How bad do you want it? If you want something bad enough, you won't give up. I framed that rejection letter and hung it in my office, recognizing my initiation into a club of amazing authors. I'm still feeling sick about it but I'm writing query letters to other publishers, trusting that when it is time for Messages of the Monarch to birth, she will. And I am sharing with you. Cuz it does matter to me. A LOT.  Time for a new plan.  I think I’m ready.  Are you?