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What happens when the excitement wears off… and the waiting begins?

In this Week 3 update of the “Wildly Rejected a.k.a. Becoming the Bison” Lauren steps fully into the storm—where the “no’s” start to outweigh the “yeses,” and most opportunities sit in the uncomfortable space of maybe.

This episode dives into the part of the journey no one talks about:

• The emotional shift from excitement to endurance
• Why rejection starts to feel… normal
• How “no” doesn’t kill an idea—it redirects it
• The hidden weight of waiting (and why it’s actually the hardest part)

Lauren shares the story behind this week’s cover image—a baby raccoon photographed in Hocking Hills State Park—and how sometimes the most meaningful moments don’t win awards, but still shape everything.

Plus, a powerful mindset shift that reframes the entire rejection process:
👉 You don’t gain rejections by asking—you reduce the infinite “no’s” that already exist.

Week 3 Stats:
44 asks | 5 yeses | 7 rejections | and a growing list of “in review”

If you’re in a season where nothing feels certain, where responses are slow, and where momentum feels quiet—this episode is your reminder:
This is the part where most people stop… and where things actually begin.

🎧 And a surprise highlight—Lauren interviews Gabby Carr, the creator of the 1000 Rejection Challenge (episode coming soon!).

🎙️ Wildly Unplug is a podcast about reconnecting with nature, creativity, and yourself through storytelling, conservation, and exploration.

👉 Follow along with the full “1000 Rejections” journey and weekly updates on Substack.

And until next time… unplug, get outside, and see what develops. 🌿

Get Ashley's Tracker here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-184085682

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In this week’s episode of Wildly Unplug, Lauren shares the real challenge behind her “1000 Rejections” journey—and it’s not what you might think.

Week one was about taking the leap. Week two? Learning how to start again.

After gaining momentum, a pause crept in—and with it came doubt, overthinking, and the fear of slipping back into old patterns. From a meaningful rejection by the Sea Turtle Conservancy to a fun (but surprisingly emotional) loss at the Key West dog show, this episode dives into the emotional reality of putting yourself out there again after things don’t go your way.

Lauren unpacks:

• Why rejection isn’t the hardest part—restarting is
• How taking action (not overthinking) restores energy and confidence
• Turning rejection into redirection (and creative opportunity)
• The mindset shift from chasing wins to building consistency
• What “Becoming the Bison” really means in practice

Plus, she shares her Week 2 stats, lessons learned, and a powerful reminder inspired by Muhammad Ali: you don’t lose when you get knocked down—you lose when you stay down.

If you’ve ever felt stuck after a setback, this episode is your nudge to try again.

🎙️ Wildly Unplug is a podcast about reconnecting with nature, creativity, and yourself through storytelling, conservation, and exploration.

👉 Follow along with the full “1000 Rejections” journey and weekly updates on Substack.

And until next time… unplug, get outside, and see what develops. 🌿

Get Ashley's Tracker here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-184085682

Subscribe for more nature + creativity inspiration
Like & comment: What’s one small moment you can celebrate today?
🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here:
https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join

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Send us Fan Mail

What happens when you stop avoiding rejection… and start chasing it?

In this Week 1 recap of the Wildly Rejected challenge, Lauren shares how committing to 1,000 rejections is already shifting her mindset, confidence, and creativity in unexpected ways.

After diving in headfirst—sending bold pitches, applying for collaborations, and reaching out to major art brands—Lauren is surprised by what’s happening: responses are coming in, opportunities are opening, and a deeper realization is unfolding.

This episode explores:

• How taking action builds confidence for artists and creatives
• The surprising fear of success (not just rejection)
• What happens when you consistently put yourself out there
• Artist mindset shifts around visibility, rejection, and growth
• How reaching out can lead to unexpected opportunities and community
• The ripple effect of confidence in both business and personal life
• Overcoming people-pleasing and learning to set boundaries

If you’re an artist, creative entrepreneur, or anyone struggling with fear of rejection, self-doubt, or putting yourself out there—this episode will challenge you to take action and rethink what’s possible.

Because sometimes… the moment you start asking, everything starts to change.

Get Ashley's Tracker here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-184085682

Subscribe for more nature + creativity inspiration
Like & comment: What’s one small moment you can celebrate today?
🌿 Download your free Wildly Unplug Starter Guide here:
https://gem.godaddy.com/signups/ebd116a3a09647638aa4d85c004839fa/join

Support the show