By Natalie Mahoney |  Public affairs coordinator, PolicyWorks

No. It’s a two letter word that can often wreak havoc in your life. It’s a word that easily pairs with negative feelings about yourself, leaving you feeling down or not good enough.

I can’t even count the times I have received a no in my life. As women, we are often denied many opportunities simply because we are women. The hundreds of job applications I filled out after college, the guy I so desperately wanted to be with in high school, or asking for a raise at my old job. It was all a no, no, no for me.

In this day and age, it is easy to feel down when a big fat no comes your way. It’s frustrating. It can even be crippling at times. There are days you want to throw in the towel when this specific yet negative situation comes your way. How do you recover when all your strength and effort goes into something and then you’re denied it?

Unfortunately, many times these situations of denial make us obsess and question, “What did I do wrong or could I have approached it differently?” We want to examine every detail, every moment, every conversation and beg that things could have gone differently.

The thing is, you can’t change your life path. Instead of simply thinking, “I guess that’s just how it is,” we need to approach and handle “no” differently from now on. We were put on this earth for a reason. As frustrating as it can be, each no you receive in your life is a simple sketch in your journey. In a way, it’s a canvas. No artist had a perfect painting the first time around. I pride myself on always finding positivity even in a negative situation. Natalie, there was a reason I didn’t get that job or opportunity. I wasn’t meant to date that guy because my husband hadn’t come into my life yet. Sometimes a no brings you down a path you may not have considered if you had received a yes. It is truly a remarkable thing when you look at something differently.

Women are strong. We gain continued strength from the adversities we face daily. A no will mature and develop you to find your greatest potential. A no will help you understand you’re capable of rising and taking up the fight again. Your canvas is just getting started. As for now, wear your seat belt and enjoy the ride. The best is yet to come.  

Natalie Mahoney is the public affairs coordinator for PolicyWorks, assisting clients with public affairs, communications and grassroots advocacy. She is a board member for the nonprofit organization Iowans for Adoption, a DSM Hummingbird community builder, an Iowa Innovation Group graduate and a proud Les Mills BODYPUMP group fitness instructor. Contact her via email.