It was October 21st.
I woke up early. Showered. Filled my stomach with light food which was full of butterflies that morning.
It was a great day.
I took all my courage and applied for a US Visa even though I know my situation could be a huge factor of my application being refused. I’m single and young. No kids. A licensed nurse. And a digital nomad. All I had was a good travel history with my passport as a proof that I did not overstay in any of my travels.
I tried to be positive and thought I could make it.
I hoped hard but deep inside I knew I wanted it for the wrong reasons. I wanted to save a friendship that I know was drifting. I did all I can. But when my turn came for an interview and the guy behind the glass window looked at me like I’m a specimen under a microscope, I was terrified. Before I knew it, he reached for the blue paper, gave it to me along with my passport and he said he’s sorry but he can’t give me a visa.
My heart sunk.
I remained composed because there were so many people in the room. I went out of the embassy and waited for a cab. When I got in, I had a break down.
I cried. A lot. Sounds emotional but when you want something you can’t have and you don’t have the power to change it, you feel helpless.
I was so down. (I’d like to thank my brother because he made fun of me but did treat me to great restaurants and great food which comforted me a bit ha!).
I started listening to podcasts because I could not sleep. I started reading more than I ever did. I watched movies that sparked my creativity. I ate ice cream and chips that made my taste buds happy. I cooked my favorite meals.
Before I know it, I felt better than I ever did.
Rejection.
It’s a hard word. It’s harder when it happens to you. But something good always comes out of it. I believe it happened to me because it was what I needed at that time to thrust me farther in life.
I have learned so much from that short experience. I was disciplined. I was humbled. Most of all, I learned to be patient. I became more grateful and mindful of everything I have.
I dedicated more time on my self and my career. I traveled to Dubai, Singapore and Malaysia. I went on a desert safari that made me scream on top of my lungs. I stayed in the beach for weeks. I took a challenging job in Marketing. I ate Mediterranean food for a week. I slept-in like a baby on a Monday.
I gave myself the love it needs, which I wouldn’t have given if I got the visa.
Looking back now, I am thankful for that experience. I know I would go back in the US Embassy again to give it another try, but this time it would be for the right reasons. 🙂 And this time I confident that I will get it 😉
If you’ve been rejected, don’t fret. Well you can be sad but don’t be sad forever! Great things are coming your way 🙂 I hope I inspired you in my own little way.