Rules To Live By: Use Disappointment As Fuel
Today I had a conversation with a relative and I was very disappointed by the time the phone call was over. Prior to the phone call I had high hopes for my day. I had a business meeting planned, brownies to be baked, and a Christmas tree to be set up. When I hung up the phone, I didn’t really feel like doing any of the things that I had planned. Instead of having a high energy day, I thought about climbing back into the bed and sleeping through the afternoon. The feeling of disappointment had begun to overtake me. I stood at the top of the stairs and heard a small voice in my head say, “Don’t do it.” And then I thought about it.
I shouldn’t let the disappointment I feel about one conversation stop me from enjoying my day the way that I had planned.
Sunday is the day that I’ve reserved to write my “Rules To Live By” column and here on this Sunday, I was given a new rule at the top of my steps.
- Use disappointment to motivate you to accomplish the things that you want.
- Use disappointment to encourage you to have a happier life and surround yourself with supportive people.
- Use disappointment as fuel that feeds you to redefine your life on your own terms.
When I entered my bedroom after hearing those three words, “Don’t Do It,” I put on my corderoys, sweater, matching hat, scarf and gloves and I went on to my meeting which was VERY PROMISING. While out I was able to get the jump on Christmas cards and shopping. When I made it back home, I made my FABULOUS brownies that will be eaten after my barbeque chicken, navy beans and collard greens. And somewhere between the dinner and the dessert, I’m going to put up a Christmas Tree. And I’m happy.
I’m happy because I didn’t let disappointment stop me in my tracks. I’m happy because all of the wonderful things that I accomplished today, I may not have accomplished anything had I not used disappointment as fuel.
As you go forward in this journey called life use disappointment as fuel. Feel free to share your experiences using disappointment as fuel…
Peace and Blessings,
Yasmin
About the Author
Yasmin Shiraz is the President of Still Eye Rise Films, an independent production company which films educational and thought provoking documentaries that chronicle the lives, traumas and experiences of youth. Her first production, Can She Be Saved?, a documentary that examines violence among middle school girls, was an official selection of the 2009 Roxbury Film Festival and recently won a 2009 Indie Award of Merit from IndieFest.
Yasmin Shiraz is the Award winning Author of Retaliation a novel about a community’s response to youth violence. In 2009, it was selected as one of the top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers by the American Library Association. She is the author of The Blueprint for My Girls: How To Build A Life Full of Courage, Determination & Self Love (Simon and Schuster) and five other books. Her best selling “Blueprint” empowerment series is utilized as a self esteem, motivational, and educational tool at middle and high schools, after school programs, non-profit youth centers, as well as Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the country. 
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