We’ve come a long way in these last few weeks. I know some of you have received wonderful news of an offer from an agent or editor. Others have new contracts. Sadly, some received disappointing news.

We’ve talked a lot about that. Hopefully, you’ve been able to put some of my suggestions in place to help you through that emotion. When dealing with disappointment—or any negative emotion—there comes a time when we just have to pick ourselves up by the boot straps and move on.

Easier said than done.

I get that. I really do, but at some point, you’re only hurting yourself if you don’t. Here are a few things to keep in mind as decide to move on.

1) Leave it in the history books. Regardless of how disappointing that rejection was, you can’t go back to that moment, even if you wanted to. It’s over and done with.

2) Never predict your future successes based on your past disappointment or failures. That’s a sure way to be disappointed in the future. They aren’t the same… well, unless you make them that way.

3) You can lay it down any time you wish. Or, you can keep it, travel with the heavier load and not make it to your desired destination. It’s time to let it go and look to what the possibilities that lie in your future.

Living your dream of being a published author in some cases is just a matter of continuing to pursue after others have given up. I have never met a person who gave up on a dream who did not live to regret it. Don’t be that person.

Facing disappointment often follows a big writer’s conference. That’s why I spent this month talking about it. Helping you through its valley and safely up the other side. Now, I’d like for you to do one more thing for me… well, actually for you. Here it is:

Tear off a piece of toilet paper. Yes, now. Go ahead. I’ll wait. Write your disappointment on it. Some of you may need a longer piece. Now ball up the toilet paper and flush it down the toilet. Umm… yes, I’m serious.

Sounds bizarre, I know, but you get my point. Get rid of the disappointment in your life and decide to move on. You’ll be glad you did. So will all your future readers.

Are you able to flush your disappointment, pick yourself up by the bootstraps and move on to success?
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Reba J. Hoffman is a natural encourager and Member Care Coach at My Book Therapy. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling and is the founder of Magellan Life Coaching (www.magellanlifecoaching.com). She is the author of Dare to Dream, a Writer’s Journal published by My Book Therapy. She also publishes a motivational and encouraging blog, FindingTrue North. Contact Reba at reba@magellanlifecoaching.com.