Episode #100
Wildly Rejected Weeks 16, 17, 18, 19 Update
Send us Fan Mail What happens when rejection collides with grief, an empty nest, and a completely new life? In this deeply personal Wildly Rejected: Becoming the Bison update, Lauren catches up on weeks 16–19 of her 1,000 Rejection Challenge. She reflects on saying goodbye to her beloved dog Georgie, watching her son leave for college, moving away from Cincinnati, and beginning again as a full-time Key West resident—all while feeling caught in the “ooey-gooey” middle of transformation. Along the way, she shares the sting of rejection from the Fantasy Fest poster contest, NASA Social, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, and a literary publication—as well as the surprising gift of receiving constructive feedback. But the challenge is also beginning to mean something new. Her latest asks aren’t only about awards, sales, and recognition; they’re about friendship, volunteering, conservation, creativity, and finding her place in a new community. This episode is a reminder that falling behind doesn’t mean failing. Sometimes becoming the bison simply means giving yourself permission to grieve, take a break, pull your foot out of the quicksand, and keep moving forward—one small step and one brave ask at a time. Current challenge stats: • 167 total asks • 39 accepted • 77 rejected • 31 in review • 16 awaiting a response • 2 waitlisted • 2 other Until next time, unplug, get outside, and see what develops. Support the show
