One of my first jobs required me to host camp dances with two other camp counselors. One of us would play music and make announcements, one of us would screen song requests to make sure they were appropriate, and one one of us would be a motivational dancer. I learned a lot during my time as a motivational dancer.

What the heck is a motivational dancer!?

As a motivational dancer, I was completely vulnerable to criticism and rejection. I would dance by myself as attendees chatted amongst themselves on the fringes of the dance floor. In addition to motivating others to dance by dancing, I would ask the onlookers to dance with me. Some would oblige for a song or two before returning to the safety of the sidelines. Others would reject me outright.

For me there was no safety of the sidelines. After I received many rejections, the dance floor would eventually fill up.

Rejection hurts — whether you have been refused a dance, are picked last for a pickup team, didn’t make the cut for team tryouts, or noticed that no one wants to meet your eye when a PE teacher said you need a partner.

While each of the rejections at these dances stung, I was eventually able to shake it off (literally) and have some fun.

Are you letting a past rejection prevent you from living life to the fullest? If so, I encourage you make the most of what is open and available to you — even if that means that you’re dancing on the dance floor by yourself for a while.

Thanks for reading. I hope you have a safe and healthy week.