Stepping Forward Despite Fear

In a recent meetup, I met a woman who immigrated to Canada over 20 years ago.

She helped ease some of the sadness I’d been feeling. Her advice was simple and honest—things anyone might say—but it felt sincere. As you know, I’ve been struggling with job searching and facing rejections.

She said, “Rejection isn’t something only you’re dealing with; everyone faces it, even those who were born and raised here. It’s really common. So, if you get rejected, just let it go. Okay, stop crying, try again, and keep moving forward. You need to learn to do things the way they work here, not like back in your home country. Nothing will change if you just cry and complain about your situation. If that’s what you’re going to do, you’d be better off going back to your country.” Those words hit me like a wake-up call.

Her advice was very truthful but didn’t hurt my feelings; it felt like the honest truth I needed. Honestly, there are things I don’t want to face, like driving alone—I’m a new driver, and driving alone scares me. I didn’t want to go to the hospital by myself or drop off my resume in person without an invitation. Doing these things is hard, even though I’m not an introvert. But I know I have to do them.

What she said really pushed me to face the challenges I have in front of me.

You know what? I’m going to do it. I’ll give it my best, or nothing will change.

Let go, and keep moving forward, just as you always have. You’re a brave girl.

I’m still rooting for you.