Pillow Pets, Pizookies, and the Art of Finding "Yes" Moments
- Tanesha Moody
- Jun 21
- 5 min read
Pillow Pets, Pizookies, and the Art of Finding "Yes" Moments
Rejection has a way of shrinking our world, doesn’t it? One “no” can feel like the universe slamming every door, window, and emergency exit in our faces. I’ve been there. A job rejection, for example, doesn’t just feel like one “no”—it morphs into a swirling tornado of every rejection I’ve ever faced, from the dodgeball team in middle school to the guy who ghosted me after two great dates. Suddenly, it feels like the galaxy itself is conspiring to reject me. I felt like I was in the second Matrix movie, where doors were continuously closing, and I would be teleported to a new place just to receive yet another rejection.
It’s in moments like these, when rejection feels overwhelming, that we need to pause and redirect. Instead of obsessing over the closed doors, what if we focused on the ones that opened? What if, rather than replaying the “no’s” on a mental loop, we revisited the “yeses”?
I remember a particularly rough stretch where I felt like I couldn’t catch a break. A job I desperately wanted turned me down, and that rejection somehow triggered memories of a thousand other “no’s.” My brain spiraled: That person didn’t even reply to my email. That company didn’t think I was a fit. Remember when I wasn’t asked to go to prom?
Rejection doesn’t just live in the moment—it invites all its cousins to the party, dredging up past hurts and amplifying the current sting. That’s when I knew I needed a mental reset.
I decided to create an Acceptance List. It started small—just a note on my phone where I jotted down moments when someone said “yes” to me. Some entries were big wins:
The time I landed my first big leadership role.
The day I got a “yes” from a dream client.
That moment when a publisher said, “Let’s talk about your manuscript.” (This hasn’t happened yet, but it’s coming!)
Others were smaller but equally meaningful:
A friend showed up for my salsa dancing night even though they were terrible at it.
My cat finally curled up on my lap voluntarily (it only took five minutes).
A stranger at Starbucks complimented my jacket.
These moments remind me that, while rejection feels like a constant, acceptance is just as present in our lives. We just have to look for it.
It’s not just about remembering the “yeses.” It’s about revisiting the feelings they brought.
Think back to the last time someone accepted your offer—a job, a creative idea, an invitation. Remember how it felt. The joy, the relief, the validation.
For me, recalling the moment a client said, “We’ve been looking for someone like you,” still gives me goosebumps. It wasn’t just about the work; it was about being seen and valued. That feeling is what I anchor myself to when rejection tries to steal my joy.
Not every acceptance has to be a grand gesture. Sometimes, it’s the little “yeses” that keep us afloat:
A friend agrees to join you for coffee.
Getting a call back for a role you didn’t expect to land.
Someone accepting your LinkedIn connection request (yes, it counts).
Acceptance is everywhere—it’s quieter than rejection, so we have to tune in to notice it.
If you’re struggling to find acceptance moments, start small.
Think Broadly: Maybe it’s a kind word from a colleague or a stranger holding the elevator for you.
Focus on Feelings: Think about times you felt appreciated or included.
Write Them Down: Keeping a physical or digital log makes revisiting these moments when rejection hits easier.
If absolutely nothing comes up, craft an acceptance experience of your own, complete with all the emotions! Picture it vividly—what happened, how you felt, the joy of being chosen. It’s a powerful exercise to remind yourself that acceptance exists, and it’s coming.
For me, writing these down turned into a gratitude practice. Even on the worst days, I could find one thing to add—a reminder that the world isn’t all “no’s.”
I get it. When rejection is fresh, it’s hard to think about anything else. Your mind zeroes in on what went wrong, and suddenly, it feels like your entire existence is one giant “no.”
During one particularly rough patch, I found myself watching a telenovela on the couch, clutching my penguin pillow pet (Mr. Wobbles, if you must know), and devouring a pizookie (a cookie shaped like a pizza. My favorite is from BJ’s Restaurants). It wasn’t my finest moment, but it was real. What snapped me out of it wasn’t a pep talk or an inspirational quote—it was a friend reminding me of all the times I’d been celebrated and chosen.
Sometimes, we need that outside perspective to pull us out of the rejection fog.
Rejection has a way of demanding center stage in our lives. But what if we reframed it? Instead of seeing it as the universe shutting us out, what if we saw it as a shift toward what’s meant for us?
That job rejection? Maybe it’s making space for an opportunity that’s a better fit. That creative pitch that got turned down? Maybe it’s pushing you toward a project that aligns more with your values.
Even if the “yes” doesn’t come immediately, reflecting on past acceptances reminds us that it’s out there.
Practical Steps for Navigating Rejection with Acceptance
Create an Acceptance Log: Start a list of every “yes” you’ve received, big or small.
Relive the Emotions: Let yourself feel the joy and validation from those moments.
Reframe the “No”: See it as a step toward your next “yes.”
Celebrate Small Wins: Every tiny acceptance counts—it’s proof that you’re seen and valued.
Anchor Yourself in Gratitude: Gratitude doesn’t erase rejection but balances the narrative.
Acceptance is everywhere—we just have to notice it. By keeping an acceptance log, reflecting on our wins, and reframing rejection, we can navigate life’s “no’s” with grace and resilience.
To anyone navigating rejection right now, know this: Acceptance is part of your story, too. It’s quieter, softer, and sometimes harder to see, but it’s there, reminding you that rejection isn’t the end—it’s just a moment.
What’s one acceptance moment that stands out for you? Let’s celebrate it in the comments. 😊
Pillow Pets, Pizookies, and the Art of Finding "Yes" Moments
<!-- LinkedInContent: <span class="hidden-content">✨</span> Pillow Pets, Pizookies, and the Art of Finding "Yes" Moments <span class="hidden-content">✨</span>
Rejection has a way of taking center stage in our minds, but what if we shifted focus? Instead of replaying the “no’s,” let’s celebrate the “yeses.” 💡
In my latest blog, I share how creating an Acceptance Log, celebrating small wins, and reframing rejection can help you navigate life’s challenges with resilience and gratitude. Plus, yes—there’s a Pillow Pet named Mr. Wobbles involved. 🐧🍪
<span class="hidden-content">💬</span> What’s one “yes” moment that stands out for you? Share it in the comments! Let’s celebrate together. 🎉
Read the full blog below. <span class="hidden-content">🔗</span>
