I decided to jump on the Ariana Grande bandwagon and write my little version of her recently released song, “Thank you, next” The song, which is also a love letter to herself, is an ode to all her exes thanking them for all the lessons they have taught her along the way.

The Flower Head a Self Portrait Series by Armenyl

I immediately started thinking about the concept of rejection and how, in the past few weeks, I have come to think of it more constructively. Rejection from anyone is one of the hardest things to face and, like many, I’ve had my fair share of them. Whether it is in a job application, a passion project or fitting in, there have been many harsh let downs that have made me almost want to give up. But in the recent weeks, I’ve started seeing rejection as a good thing! I see it as life’s way of filtering out what doesn’t belong to you or, better yet, pushing you to reach your true potential. Like failure, I think there are lessons to be learned and sometimes we just have to hit rejection back with a “thank you, next!”

Of course, no one wants more rejection, but I see it more as a refining tool. And if you continue to believe in yourself, the only dent rejection can put on you is a more polished look. There is a fine line between letting rejection reach your core by making you insecure and maintaining control by taking it apart, learning your lessons, and moving on. Truthfully, it is easier said than done, but I have been trying to make a conscious effort to meet it with more positivity.

Fashion Portrait by ArmenylArmenyl Photography

Think about it this way, do you want to fight to work with anyone or be with anyone who doesn’t believe in you? As much as you love that thing or person, chances are you are better off elsewhere.  Or on the other side of things—and this is the one I’ve been more driven by—who doesn’t love sweet revenge? All the rejection I have faced has pushed me to work harder and to make myself impossible to ignore. I want my presence and work to send out vibrations to shake up what is mine, and if it is still being rejected I see it as it is not there yet!
I love that I can now confidently say BYE! to who and what is not for me because I know it only gets me closer to myself and what’s really mine.

 So thank you, you’ve done me a great favor! Next!

Photographs are self-portraits I shot and styled.

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