When faced with disappointment, I find myself at a crossroads. I have the choice to retreat and protect myself, or to stay strong and keep moving forward. Recently, I experienced another setback, and part of me wants to withdraw from the world. I feel angry at myself for getting so emotionally invested in something that turned out to be a fantasy. I am embarrassed by my vulnerability.
However, a friend offered me some perspective. She reminded me that my disappointment doesn’t reflect poorly on me but on the person who let me down. She encouraged me to see that being open to happiness requires courage and that vulnerability is not a weakness. Nor, I shouldn’t let one disappointment close the door on my desires and the potential for positive experiences.
After shedding a few tears and indulging in some self-pity, I have gathered myself together and decided to hold on to hope. Life has taught me some tough lessons, and I may have become a bit more cautious or even cynical. Nevertheless, I still believe in the process and have seen examples of how it can work. So, I’ll proceed with a more guarded approach and be willing to take some risks despite the possibility of encountering more disappointments. As they say, I may have to kiss a few more frogs!