Bully! Bully!

Recently I had the privledge of going with a group of people to elementary schools to give a message thru a program we call "Rush Hour" about RESPECT and "anti-bullying".

Before we went, I was very excited as I personally know some young children as well as some older ones who have been faced with bullying and I think it is a hugely important message to tell these young people that it is WRONG to bully. Youngsters need to know that it is not acceptable. They are valuable people and do not have to take someone else pushing them around, belittling them, or being cruel to them with words or actions.

Something had not occurred to me until I was there backstage listening to the message being acted out. I heard them say that young people can take their example from the older people around them concerning how to treat others and show respect....and it has had me thinking....

I  KNOW ADULTS WHO ARE BULLIES!

You probably do, too. You know- the ones who put you or others down. They say things to make people feel like they are worthless and gross and ignorant. They use their words to tear others down - ON PURPOSE!

I am not sure what makes people think they have the right to belittle another human being...but it is DEAD WRONG! Somehow, even though our society does not condone in any way shape or form physical abuse, it seems to in some way, excuse this verbally abusive behavior sometimes with adult people. I am not sure why. It really is just NOT ACCEPTABLE!

I urge you, if you are being bullied by an adult in your life- confront them. Try to seek help. If they refuse to change- don't walk- RUN in the other direction as fast as you can! You ARE valuable and deserve to be treated with respect!! If a person in your life is purposely tearing you down- saying demeaning things to you- making you feel ashamed and bad about yourself to somehow make themselves feel better- YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TAKE IT!

Make the choice to surround yourself with positive, loving, and caring people. When you are in that kind of an environment, you have the ability to reach out to others in a positive, loving and caring way. Don't let the harmful and hurtful words of another push you down so that you cannot be a light to others! After all- in this world one of the most important things you can do is love others.... :)

RESPECT-

esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability: I have great respect for her judgment.

deference to a right, privilege, privileged position, or someone or something considered to have certain rights or privileges; proper acceptance or courtesy; acknowledgment: counsel; to show respect for the flag; respect for respect for a suspect's right to the elderly.

BULLY-
a blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people.