Do you know the feeling when someone takes your confidence away, your voice? Your words ripped away. They cut you so deep you don’t know who you are anymore, how to talk and act. Not knowing what happiness feels like? Do you know the feeling of being alone and helpless? Scared to speak up for yourself. Scared to be yourself. That voice inside being silenced by their presence. The stillness in my bones and limbs. Primary school: Sitting in the lunch hall and just my luck the bully sits opposite me. I remember while feeling chills running down my body I sat with my head hanging over my food. I never dared to look up once, as the monster starts teasing me and calling me names, I act as if I don’t hear his mean words. How I dreaded going to school. Much earlier before that I was bullied by two boys younger than me, at play time they would push and torment me and I remember my younger brother sticking up for me and they laughed and made fun of the fact that he was younger and had my back. I knew from earlier on that this had nothing to do with me, but had everything to do with them. They were truly unhappy people, spirits so broken that only hurting other people would give them a sense of control over whatever was happening in their life. I became their punching bag to release the hate they had holding inside.
They took away my identity and I crawled into my cave. Only for a moment but then I found a strength hidden deep inside. I took it with both hands and wrapped it around me, it shielded me throughout that time. I was trapped inside my own mind, locked with keys. I believed only the bullies could set me free. Secondary school: I was one of the “popular kids” in school and it all turned upside down when I became close to someone that they didn’t like. That’s when everyone became a sheep, most stopped talking to be and followed the ring leaders. The days of school having to sit down, and line up. knowing they’ll come for me. Which they did, they came for me, so nasty with their words they began to tear me down. Throw things at me. I took it on my chin and ignored them as I walked with my head held high. Bullied only because I was friends with someone they didn’t like.
If you are experiencing bullying please tell a responsible adult. Remember, don’t pay them any mind because remember that all they want is a reaction out of you. Carry yourself with confidence even though it’s hard. Just smile at them so they think they aren’t affecting you, no matter how much they are. You may feel like you’re going through hell, but remember in the end they are the ones that are in true hell. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. No one that is truly happy and content with their life would go out of their way to deliberately try to bring someone else down. It does not define you but it defines them. Let them know they will not break you. Tell them, they can not mentally or emotional hurt you, because you have self-love. And remember it’s not your fault they are unhappy within their lives.
“My strength scares them because I carry great confidence, the confidence that no one can break. Their degrading words will only make me stronger, we all know that bullies are the weakest in the room, they crave the strength you hold as they lack self-love and confidence.
As I stand there with my head up high, looking to the top where I am destined to be, I tell myself that no one can stop me from becoming the greatest I can be.” – I am destined for greatness —> I am destined for greatness
A young black girl
Below are some useful links if you have been affected by the issues relating to this topic.
Please visit:
The life of a young black girl 