Pessimists don’t want to stay stuck in this downward spiral, but they feel swallowed up by the emotional shame of rejection. You can only stop the spiral by replacing the labels. Fill in the blank: This rejection doesn’t mean I’m [whatever negative label or shame-filled feeling you are having]. It makes this [opportunity] [person] [desire] a wrong fit for me right now. Instead of letting the feelings from this situation label me, I’m going to focus on God and His promises for good things. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. (PSALM 34:5)
