Sunday, September 9, 2012

Positive: Staying Positive in Disappointment

I can attest to disappointments, for I have experienced plenty. Over the years, I have been turned down for jobs and organizations. Many times, I wanted to cry because it felt like the Green Gargantua slammed me into a brick wall, enduring endless agony.

One disappointing encounter I remember was in the early '80s when I applied for a job at a Subway restaurant in Staten Island, New York. After filling out the application, I was confident that I would get an interview. Several days later, I was called.

 I arrived at the restaurant and walked inside. From what I could remember, the manager was a tall white man with short black and grey hair. He had a large round stomach with a greasy apron wrapped around his huge waist. I respectfully spoke as I extended my hand to greet him. In an insolent tone, he asked me why was I there. I replied, "For the job interview." He bellowed!, “Tamara White!” I squelched, “Yes.” “Where did you get a name like that?” Said the big intimidating white man. My response was “Uh.” It took me aback because I did not know where the big guy was going with this. Immediately after the awkward dialogue, he announced that the position was filled; then he quickly walked away.

I stood there, it seemed for hours, before I gathered my thoughts. I could not believe I didn’t get the interview, nonetheless the job. (I found out later the true reason…that’s another topic). I experienced rejection and disappointment at the same time.

Although I went through such a disappointing experience, I never allowed it to discourage me. I learned that it was not the ending for Tamara, but one of many rejections. I knew I had to destroy the barriers that blocked my blessing. 
I am sure there are many of you who have experienced some type of disappointing situation. After all, it's a part of life. The question is how do we grab it? Or, Where do we grab it?

Yes, it is difficult to stay positive in disappointing situations, but finding ways to annihilate the obstacles that are annexed to our accomplishments will assist in managing disappointment.

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Little Brown Baby

LITTLE brown baby wif spa'klin' eyes,
Come to yo' pappy an' set on his knee.

What you been doin', suh -- makin' san' pies?
Look at dat bib -- you's ez du'ty ez me.

Look at dat mouf -- dat's merlasses, I bet;
Come hyeah, Maria, an' wipe off his han's.

Bees gwine to ketch you an' eat you up yit,
Bein' so sticky an sweet -- goodness lan's!


-Paul Laurence Dunbar