Rejection...no one wants to experience it, but it's a very real part of life. However there is another part of rejection, one that we , unfortunately must endure the pain of rejection to get to, and that is the grace that comes after rejection.

Grace is defined as a benefit or blessing received that is usually undeserved or extra, above and beyond what was initially asked for.

Thus grace is the experience of receiving more than what we *lost* through the rejection. sadly, many of us never enjoy the fruits of grace because we never stretch ourselves or reach for the highest heights where there is an actual possibility of rejection. We've grown soft in our fear of rejection. we play small, stay in our shell, and never risk embarrassment, vulnerability, judgment or even being seen, all in the name of avoiding rejection.

When we stay small, inhibited, and protected, we never learn our strengths or weaknesses. In our failure to approach a sought after lover, we miss out on the friendship that could develop. In our anxiety about leaving an unhealthy relationship, we miss out on the discovery of our well of resourcefulness that is uncovered as a single person. When we fail to attempt a lofty goal, we miss out on experiences; the very matter of life! Every new attempt involves learning, and if we never learn, we become stagnant. Our creativity suffers; our minds fail to flourish; possible connections are missed.

This then is the grace of rejection.

We learn a new set of skills.

We have a new set of experiences.

We learn about the nature of life.

We are equipped with a new set of questions to ask.

We learn to forge our own path.

With that, our only option is to keep going and growing, regardless of rejection. We live, learn, joyfully embrace the grace, and try again.

When I need to teach a lesson, the Universe, in all of her infinite wisdom, promptly provides me with the experience, platform and opportunity.

I planned to make this week a personal self care week. This has been a regular part of my life for quite some time (years) and serves many purposes. Because I know myself, I've become an expert at caring for myself. For example, I do not react well to stress, therefore, I keep quiet time, engage in rituals, and use specific strategies like unplugging, to de-stress. I also know I'm an introvert, but most of my closest friends are gregarious, so, sometimes I have to take space and time for myself and Mother Nature, which could include lunch in the park or walking in the rain.

Long story short, this was a week I planned to take all to myself... Until my computer died... Then my car! I spent the week talking shop with my mechanic, researching parts requirements and checking specs on new computers.

Although it was not my goal or preferred set of activities for the week, I'm proud to say that I was able to maintain a level head, a positive attitude and repeat my lovely solution focused mantra - there is a solution for every problem - which helped me make it through the week sane and stress free.

I know for a fact that this was only possible due to a deep well of positive energy and positive thinking, because other people were more upset about my "problems" than I was! I worked hard to remain in a state of grace by saying "thank you" softly, loudly, publicly and privately until I got everything I needed and more.

Positivity is powerful, and coupled with gratitude, it becomes amazing!

How do you conjure positivity in your life?