Rejection and Acceptance

A little over one week ago, I received news from The University of Texas in Austin they denied my application for admission as a student to their prestigious school.  Apparently they are so prestigious, people with a flawless 4.0 grade point average can't get in either.  This was a devastating blow to my ego, and a slap in the face of the hard work I've put forth these previous three years earning my Associates Degree at Tarrant County College.  The intellectual and emotional turmoil raging in my head has been non-stop.  On Monday I shared with my "Friends of Bill" group what I have been dealing with over the past week.  The topic of the group discussion was 'Acceptance' and how it is so important to serenity, as well as to emotional and physical sobriety.  I knew if I didn't deal with the storm raging 'between my ears,' I would eventually pick up a drink in order to numb and not deal with the resentment and hurt plaguing my heart and soul.  As more time passes, I am feeling better about my options.  First, I did appeal the application denial.  In the meantime, I applied to The University of Texas in Arlington.  As a student with a dual major, I will simply shift gears and work on my English degree first instead of the History Archives and Preservation (Archaeology Minor) degree.  Of course this means I'll have to stay in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex for a few years longer.  Acceptance doesn't necessarily mean liking or enjoying the task before me.  Acceptance means taking on those bland realities of life with honor, dignity, and maturity, realizing the time fraught with unpleasantness will bring added life experience and personal growth.  The foundational literature of my men's group reminds me, "It is spiritual progress, not perfection."  A curve has been thrown my way, and I am slowly but surely handling it with grace and integrity.  In time I will knock that curve ball out of the park. 

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