All too often, whether at school or work, it’s the best of the best who get bullied- children and teens with pure hearts of gold, empathetic coworkers, the very people who don’t deserve it, and who want to make the world a better place.
These are the people who are team players, who are cooperative, and who deeply care about others. They extend kindness to others and will give you the shirts off their backs if you needed it.
Understand that simply caring– about anyone or anything is going to be painful. It’s why so many who were once kind and caring people are now cold, hard, angry, and bitter. These people were relentlessly bullied and they allowed it to make them cold and mean. They are often those who adopt the “I’m going to get you before you get me” attitude.
For a long time, I was one of those people. After being bullied, I became no better than they were. I’m thankful that my eyes were opened and that I no longer have to resort to cruelty to protect myself. And I’m much happier and more confident in who I am!
Bullying has a way of taking it all out of you. It can take your self-esteem, your confidence, your happiness, your love and kindness for others, your energy, your health- even your will to live. But only if you let it!
Bullying will either make or break you.
It will either wise you up or dumb you down.
Either way, these results are up to you.
Bullying changes a person, no doubt about it. But don’t let it make you bitter. Let it make you better!
“But don’t let it make you bitter. Let it make you better!”
I was bullied a bit when I was in Middle School and freshman in High School
The main reason was (no vanity here—just the truth)
The main reason: I was getting all the attention from the cheerleaders, majorettes, pep squad– all the girls.
(I used to be very handsome—in my youth)
Anyway,
This did not set well with the rest of the cowboys.
So I got bullied.
A lot.
Years later, when I was camp manager of a camp in Anbar Province, Western Iraq, I became a bit of a bully myself—to my workers…
Then one day, I realized that this was not ‘me’.
So I changed back into a human being.
A nice one.
Great post!
Hit close to home for me.
Jealousy is a huge part of bullying, Lance. I’m sorry you endured it. But I’m glad you saw the error in your ways when you became a bully later. My hat is off to you. God bless you and, again, thank you for your service! 😊🙏
Yes, true words here. It is the same with all trauma, I think. Some break and some become stronger. Well-penned post!
Thank you so much! ❤
This is a great article and you are spot on. I am trying not become bitter. I am a caring person and it is costly. Very costly.
Thank you so much, Ruth. And I’m so glad you’re working on yourself. Believe it or not, there are times when I still get angry, though not often. I have to remind myself that I’ll only give them power by feeling that way. And you’d be surprised at how the anger disappears once I give myself that little reminder. It works like a charm! I refuse to give the creeps who bullied me any free space in my head. And know that I understand where you’re coming from. It took me quite a while to get to where I’m at now but I promise you that you’ll get there, sweetie. And you deserve to be happy and at peace. You’re worth it, honey! ❤💐🌹
My music was an escape for me! I was so fortunate that an evangelist asked me to travel with him. It was the best booster of self-esteem that I needed. I finally found something I was good at, saw the country from coast – coast, and met some wonderful people both in Canada and the United States.
I have worked through my anger issues. I no longer wish ill will towards those who bullied me, put me down, and tried to ruin my spirit. I traveled while they were stuck in their miserable environment.
I love your story, Dwain! I’m so happy for you. That is such a blessing and I’m God took you out of that environment and opened your eyes to your talent! And it changed your life! Wishing you many more blessings! 🙂
Thank you Cherie!
Sorry for the late repsonse/
You’re welcome, Dwain. And I completely understand. Life gets busy and we don’t always respond when we want to.
Thank you for this. I needed to hear it.
You’re so welcome! 😊