How Do you Handle rejection?

I recently applied for a job I was so confident in my ability for, all pieces were put in place, and everything seemed hopeful and prospects high, it is no wonder when I saw my rejection mail this morning I was rightfully surprised. You see I am not one to pride myself in optimism In fact, I would rather associate myself with the pessimistic side of the expectation radar, I try to keep a balance, just enough hope to carry on, enough will to thrive, but never too much to get complacent.  

This rejection was not my first, and despite wishful thinking, it may not be the last, yet it leaves me wondering why I was so affected by it, questioning if we ever get used to rejection.

I do not think I can remember my first ever no, was it when I spotted a candy I desperately wanted as a child and my mom had to drag me off amidst my wails at her refusal,  or was it the request to wear those pants I really wanted but was refused because it would make me a "sinner".  How did I handle it then? I can not paint a mental picture of my coping mechanisms. I may not be able to remember My first no, probably due to the anciency of its happening but not as much as the abundance of the No's I can afford to remember.  However, I can remember my most defining rejection, one I still feel the lingering pangs of its pain, one so heavy I fear its weight would be too heavy to carry in words, hence my reluctance in telling it, however, I remember vividly how I handled it. You see, I am not so much of a cry-baby, at least not one enough to bawl amid others, yet I remember wailing, heart gutted with disappointment, full-blown panic, near hysteria, and when all was done I remember vowing to never be so unprepared enough to be rejected. funny isn't it that here I am barely a handful of seasons after, writing a tale on my rejection. Was I unprepared this time? No,  I followed the books, played the cards right, and tossed my coin, But in a game of uncertainty, it is only expected that every outcome is possible. 

Now I must ask a question I will indulge myself in answering, Can you ever truly be prepared for rejection? so much that when it marches to your doorstep like a reaper to souls, you would be unshaken, utterly prepared for the waves of abject pain as it strikes down on you. Personally, I do not believe it possible, I do think one might get numb to it, so much that it feels like you do not feel it, but when has numbness ever meant lack of effect. There is only ever so much one can do to prepare for rejection, to face it, there is only so much of a fading line between the need to do more and self-depreciation. 

I finish this piece with curiosity in my heart, and a bowl of ice cream by my side, as I throw to you my dear reader -in hopes that you may inspire me for my next battle- the question that titles this piece:

How Do You Handle Rejection?.

The Connoisseur.