Today I commited to Yummy Mummy I would speak out against bullying. Please visit her most recent post to get the Blog Party started.
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.
How many times have you heard that chant? How many times have you said it? It's a falsehood. One I swear to not pass down to my children. Words do hurt. Words touch the spirit, that precious place inside us where we find our self worth. Fists leave bruises, scratches, and bumps that are painful, but heal. A bruised spirit is kept secret and the inflicted wounds may never heal.
I wasn't bullied and I don't think I was consciously aware of anyone I knew being bullied in junior high or high school. Other life experiences since have revealed to me the devastating, long-term effects bullying can have.
To the bullied, I would like to say the following... You are not alone. You are valued. You are loved. Speak out. Go to as many people as you have to until someone listens - sometimes our greatest allies are in the most unlikely places. Forgive us who offer pat answers or blow off your situation as, "Normal kid stuff." Bullying is not acceptable and you are not to blame. Suicide is not the answer.
To the ones doing the bullying... I pray your eyes are opened to the damage you are inflicting on others. I pray whatever is the catalyst causing you to strike out is resolved. I pray the hurts inflicted on you are healed. I pray you are filled with such remorse you join the movement to end bullycide once and for all.
5 comments:
Thank you so much for participating!
This was a beautiful post. You spoke to the bullied, but you also spoke to the bullies and I think people sometimes forget that they are human too. Yes, they are wrong to do what they do, but maybe they need someone to talk to also.
Nice post!
I'm learning a lot about bullying by reading everyone's stories today. And - I really like your blog. You're a good photographer. You have a good natural eye and your composition is excellent. I'm a photographer, also... and we share a birthday. June 2nd.
Nice meeting you!
Very nice post. I am hearing a lot of bloggers against bullying talking about teaching their kids. I think that is the most important thing we can do.
Many times bullies are just scared and alone. It's good to remember that we need to reach out to them and help them change their behavior.
Prevent Current Bullying Behavior and Stopping Future Bullying Behavior.
First, if you want to stop future bullying behavior, you must prevent it, not react to it.
Second, if you want to prevent current bullying behavior, you must be able to define the behavior that leads to bullying in a clear and clinical way, so that you can recognize and respond to this behavior in order to prevent it.
The Aggression Continuum, which illustrated the origins of aggression through its ultimate expression of violence; is the only means to accomplish these two very important objectives. It is really that simple!
To learn more about the Aggression Continuum visit our blog, http://blog.AggressionManagement.com
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