Keep Your Head Up!

Recently, a few people have desperately been trying to get me down. With all the stresses of life, this extra burden hasn’t been fun to deal with. While it really isn’t the conventional bullying situation, I thought my experience could help you! I hope my dealings can teach you to manage these truly fragile people.

1. Know Your Oppressor

Understanding who the person is on the inside is the key to comprehending their actions. It seems difficult, but you really have to sympathize with them. What is it that you’re doing that makes them so insecure? Clearly, there’s something about you that bothers them enough to care so deeply about your life. They wouldn’t go through all the trouble to make your life difficult if they didn’t have some hidden pains of their own that you remind them of. Also, consider their age. Teens can be cruel to one another simply because of their immaturity. But adults can bully teens just as badly. Often, they’re fueled by the regrets of their past. When an adult who never reached their goals sees a teen working hard to get there, they’re jealous and resort to unkind words or malicious actions. Dealing with bullies who are far older than you is incredibly difficult, but do your best to understand what they’ve been through. Knowing who is being a bully and why really helps you get through the situation.

2. Find Peace with Yourself

As I was writing this, I found a really great quote I wanted to share.

“My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to find peace with exactly who and what I am. To take pride in my thoughts, my appearance, my talents, my flaws and to stop this incessant worrying that I can’t be loved as I am.” -Anïs Nin

This quote really got me thinking. If I’m comfortable with exactly who I am, what does it matter if other people don’t like me? It doesn’t! I’ve always owned my personality and opinions, but I’ll admit there were times when I put too much value on others’ perception of me. When I love who I am, the rude words or actions of others mean very little to me. This brings me to…

3. Surround Yourself with People who Love and Support You

Sometimes people are really horrible and hateful, but sometimes they’re amazing. Pick out those friends who are always there for you and allow yourself to accept their love and guidance. I know I’m always the one who has a hard time admitting when I need help, but letting others be there for me is just as important! Friendship is a two way street, so be sure to bask in their company and support. Talking, eating, and relaxing with family is truly therapeutic and will help you get your mind off the negativity. Grab a friend and get a milkshake, you deserve it!

Of course, I barely scratched the surface of managing the tough situation that is bullying. My experiences are far more tame than an aggressor shoving me in a locker, but that doesn’t make them any less real. People can be really rude simply because they can’t manage their own emotions. Don’t let them see you down, as they’d like to. Instead, choose to be happy! On a side note, I’d like to thank the few meanies that inspired this week’s blog. Without them, I probably wouldn’t have any relevant content!