Right before Christmas, this showed up in my mailbox. My shock and awe and excitement caused me to drop it right onto the snowy ground! Being asked to participate in the challenges that determine the next group of Go-To-Gals for Paper Crafts magazine was beyond a wildest dream come true!!! Its one of those, you never say out loud kind of dreams. My giddiness was hard to control and I looked forward to embarking on a 3 month journey.
The challenges were amazing to work on, and of course, each of the editors were amazing to work with! I made projects that pushed my creativity and increased my mojo exponentially. I am so proud of the work I created. So proud that I was asked to participate in this. So honored that I was even considered.
Then on that day in March, I didn’t get the email I was hoping for. I was not chosen. Yes, I was, and still am, heartbroken. How often do you get the chance to touch a dream? Its ok. I am ok. The team they have chosen is amazingly talented. In fact, amazing does not do them justice.
Its a big rejection. Huge. Well, I guess it can’t get any bigger in the paper crafting world. :) But I will pick myself up and continue on. I will continue to create. To submit. To teach. To find new and interesting everything and share it with you. I will take this and make myself better. And ask myself, how can I get better? How can I design better? And while it is about me, it really isn’t. They like me as a person. They like my work. Maybe I didn’t fit into what they needed at this time. And that’s really what I want to share with you. What I want you to take away from my story. No matter what you are doing or are passionate about in your life, be it paper crafting, or your job, take your rejections and use them. Don’t let them define you. Take the chance. Follow and pursue your dreams. Yep, turning into a fortune cookie here, but take this as encouragement. I want you to be encouraged.
“I have no regrets in my life. I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through build character, making you a much stronger person.” –Rita Mero
May I make a request? Please don't leave any comments. I am not looking for sympathy, I really just needed to share what was going on with me. If you want to comment, pop on over to Paper Crafts Connection and welcome the new team and offer congrats, because they worked so hard, on top of being so talented!!Thanks for listening to me. and thanks for stopping by!
9 comments:
I know you didn't want any comments, but I had to comment on your wonderful post. I can relate to your feelings and admire you sharing with us. Congrats on the honor and I love that you framed this acknowledgment!
I have to comment, not to offer sympathy, but to say THANK YOU for posting your feelings about not being chosen. I'm sure that so many of us can relate to "not winning", or "not being chosen", in many endeavors in our lives. Your tenacity to keep on going, to not let the rejection define you, is a reminder that we can all benefit from. Love your honesty and your attitude!
You're MY goto gal, Kimberly!
Sigh...yet another person not listening to your no comments thing. Honestly, when I saw they were looking for new Go To girls, I thought of you. :) However, I then thought about how Kim H stepped down because she has her own stamp company and I just figured that's what happened.
Love you!
I never do what I'm told, so I'll comment, too! You are strong, sweet, beautiful, and very talented. There is something even better in store for you! But, you do deserve to feel sad about this. Eat my share of chocolate for today...and you know I don't really like to share...so go for it! See you next week, and will hug you in person!
you are very gracious (and I'm not a good listener!)
I so wanted to comment...and I waited all day so that I at least didn't immediately disregard your wishes. Be so proud you were asked to be a part of the selection process - that you stand out in your field and being chosen to apply alone distinguishes you. And like my dearest friend says (when her favourite paper co. discontinues certain lines), something better is coming!
That said, I know it's painful to not quite make it. I often feel like I'm creating some amazing work and no one "gets it". I choose to believe in my work, my vision and strive for excellence, and I am always inspired by your work.
Maybe one day we'll be Go-To Gals together!
OK--I know it says NO COMMENTS---but I just wanted to say that this was an inspirational post! What an honor to be asked to try out and be a part of the selection process! You are super amazing! THANK YOU for always sharing so many projects and beautiful creations with us!!
Hi Kimberly,
Yes, yes, yes, I know you said no comments, but I felt really compelled to tell you that I am NOT offering any sympathy, which I know you didn't want. What I AM offering is pure, absolute admiration. Whatever you endeavor to do, you do with aplomb and grace. You inspire many people every day. So, I DON'T feel sorry for you at all because it's hard to feel sorry for anyone who is just so darn creative as you are. Good luck in everything you do and...thanks for being YOU! XOXO
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