Rejection

     Sometimes we need to say, "No."  We may disagree or refuse to believe ideas that don't seem to ring true.  When we show rejection of  certain popular messages, we have to be brave and explain our opinions.
     Reject the idea that we are too old to change.  We can continue to learn, teach, improve, forgive, and design our future.
     Reject the idea that you should give up on someone who could benefit from your gentle persuasion.   You can continue to be a good role model, welcome communication, listen to all sides of an argument with an open mind, and minimize judgments.  Explain your feelings about a relationship.  Don't pout, be passive aggressive, or try to manipulate.  Keep connected.
     Reject the idea that science has an answer to everything.  Some people believe in miracles of the past and hope for miracles in the future.  Others put their faith in the laws of nature and scientific discovery.
     Reject the idea that our laws of the land are carved in stone.  Some laws need to be updated, some deleted, and some new laws need to be passed so that every citizen has equal rights.   Be active in your government and make your voice heard.
     Reject the idea that you can't do anything about the past: what's done is done.  How we remember and feel about the past can change.  As time passes, we may gain perspective on what happened and use our memories to improve the present and future.
     The term rejection often has a negative connotation.  We think of young people who are socially rejected and not included in their peer group.  We think of rejection letters from colleges or publishers.  These types of rejections can cause unhappiness.  Other types of rejection can be positive actions.  Rejecting ideas that don't reflect what we think is true helps us define what we do believe.