My Review of Downside Up - Transform Rejection into Your Golden Opportunity By Tracey Mitchell

I loved this book.

It was very easy to read and hard to put down.  I am someone who has often struggled with the fear of rejection and the repercussions of rejection.  For many years, I became a recluse.  I was afraid to meet anyone for fear of being hurt and rejected/abandoned again.  If and when I dared have a friendship or interpersonal relationship with someone, I would leave them when I felt the slightest hint that I was going to be abandoned or rejected again.  No matter how much I wanted to be with someone.. just to be accepted and loved, I seemed to magnetically draw the wrong people to me, who, inevitably, would leave me.

Downside Up has caused me to look at rejection, not as a punishment, nor the people who reject me as my enemies, but rather, I can now look at rejection as an opportunity for change and advancement, and the people who reject me as stepping stones to bigger and better opportunities and adventures.

This book taught me that I had to forgive and release a lot of pride.  I also had to embrace God's image of who I am and let go of needing the acceptance of people (who are always fallible).  I'm not there yet, but I am learning to see myself as God sees me; fearfully and wonderfully made.  I know that He doesn't make junk.  I'm learning to embrace myself, flaw, rejection, abandonment and all, and learning to keep using those stepping stones to get me closer and closer to God's purpose for my life.

I look forward to continuing to put the principles I learned in this book to practice.  I'm sure I will read it again and again.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”