#91: Coping with Rejection

One thing that contributes to weight gain is rejection. When combined with an already weak ego, rejection can be devastating. So, how do we cope when someone takes us to task for what they perceived as a slight?

Yesterday I posted a blog comparing stray cats and dogs with people. Actually, the comparison mentioned that I thought there had to be a sort of animal mental telepathy psychic hotline that draws strays to certain homes and not to others. Then I used the same phrase regarding people being drawn to SparkPeople where they are cared for and supported.

Later, I read a profile page and believed the member would be a nice fit for a group I lead. She rejected the invitation because she thought I was being blasphemous by talking about psychics. In consideration, I deleted the phrase from the blog and posted a comment explaining why I did so. Then she and I exchanged pleasant emails.

Still, the rejection stung. Not the failure of the invitation; there are many similar groups and everyone can't join them all, rather it was being accused of something that was not my intent. I wanted to assuage my feelings by eating. Sound familiar? Emotional eating is the downfall of many otherwise successful eating plans.

Instead, I turned on upbeat music and did upper body exercises. Oh, yes, I wanted to eat, but then was blessed to have two new members join the group. Two! I spent time greeting them and soon found myself feeling as upbeat as the music.

I think that is part of the appeal of the SparkPeople site, that we can extend ourselves to others when we do not feel our best and in return receive their words of encouragement and inspiration.

Now, I must ask how you handle rejection? How does it affect your eating program? How do you cope?