By Cheryl Mattox Berry
You’ve no doubt heard the saying “You can’t always get what you want,” but are you one of those girls who thinks it doesn’t apply to you? I’ve got news for you: It most certainly does.
Contrary to how you might have been raised, you’re not entitled to anything. You’ve got to earn it. And even after you’ve done your best, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get what you want.
Most girls don’t realize this until they go to college and discover everyone in their class was in the Honor Society, class president, homecoming queen or a cheerleader. They find themselves competing with hundreds of girls for the lead in a play instead of three or four.
It’s unsettling when you realize that you’re not the “It Girl” as everyone has told you all your life. Learn how to accept the fact that you’re not always going to be the chosen one.
When something you want doesn’t come your way, it’s not the end of the world. Re-group and try again. First, get feedback from the people making the decisions. Find out where you went wrong and fix it. Think of ways to make yourself stand out from the competition.
Just because you didn’t get it the first time doesn’t mean it will never happen. This wasn’t your time. So, cry your heart out, eat ice cream and chocolate, and do whatever you want during your pity party. Just don’t let it last for more than a couple of days.
And never, ever let them see your tears. It may be perceived as a sign of weakness, and some people might try to exploit that.
After the mourning period, clean yourself up and step out looking good with a big smile, like you own the world. Today is a new day filled with new opportunities and challenges. Some things will go your way, and some won’t. That’s life, and now you know it.