:( I'm so sorry for those people who teased you. They obviously didn't know what a great person you are. :) It's always better to just be nice. Even if you don't like someone. Never treat them like they are worthless. You never know what a person is going through or how it will impact that person's life. *Hugs!*
Growing up, I was as awkward as they get, but I was fortunate enough to undergo minimal teasing. For me, it was more feeling like I never fit in. I wasn't ever truly part of a loyal group friends. I had plenty of friends, but as an adult now I see that they were more acquaintances, people who never put me up on their priority list. It hurt. But, you're right, you never forget the ones who teased and ridiculed you. *Hugs*
I can name every one of my tormenters too. First and last name. Where some of them lived. And I have yet to attend a school reunion or event because of them. On the positive side, being wary in general has saved me from several scammers, manipulators, and such. I've developed a 6th sense about people.
They have no idea the impact their stupid, cruel actions have. And even more angering, when you try to explain it to them, they don't listen or understand.
Thank goodness high school ends. ( . . . for the most part.)
Fantastic stuff. Perhaps graphic novels are your next big exploit.
Funny, but though I was bullied, I don't remember the names of any of them anymore (except the family members). But I still remember the names of the friends, of those who cherished me, who encouraged me, who saw in me what I am only now beginning to see in myself.
You, though I have not met you, are one of those names. And God bless you for that.
I'm always amazed by how many teens have felt this way. I think we all have names we remember, I know I do. But what's important is what I think you pointed out, that we help others (and allow ourselves) to heal.
Amazing post. Brings back a lot of memories. Even 40 years later I remember their names. I didn't let them define my life or destroy it. I never felt the need years later to face them and tell them what they did to me. I seriously doubt they even remember me. And that's the unfortunate part. The bullies years later don't remember who they bullied. Just that they weren't the nicest people in the world to the kids around them. Lasting impressions. But I think it made me stronger. It will make you stronger for it, because we all are more aware of it and make sure it doesn't happen to those we love. Yes, the shell is hard to break, but when it's broken, it enables us to heal. *hugs*
Karma. The Universe has a way of giving you what you deserve. I believe that. And I really believe that bullies get theirs too, maybe not soon enough or when we hope they do. But they do. Bullies can't outrun their bad behavior forever. As one of the quiet ones, I can relate to your post today.
(((hugs))) I've been there. Sometimes I'm still there. And sometimes, I stand up for the people who make me feel like less of a person because no matter what, no one deserves to feel that way. One of my very best friends of 18 years was someone I used to stick up for when we were kids. Words/actions certainly do make an impact. I'm so sorry it had to happen to you. :( Thank you for sharing.
I love how you "redeemed" some of your bullies' names in your books. Like somehow it's a mark of how strong you are, how capable of taking a bad thing and making it good. Because you are the most capable person I know.
:( I'm so sorry for those people who teased you. They obviously didn't know what a great person you are. :) It's always better to just be nice. Even if you don't like someone. Never treat them like they are worthless. You never know what a person is going through or how it will impact that person's life. *Hugs!*
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, I was as awkward as they get, but I was fortunate enough to undergo minimal teasing. For me, it was more feeling like I never fit in. I wasn't ever truly part of a loyal group friends. I had plenty of friends, but as an adult now I see that they were more acquaintances, people who never put me up on their priority list. It hurt. But, you're right, you never forget the ones who teased and ridiculed you. *Hugs*
ReplyDeleteI can name every one of my tormenters too. First and last name. Where some of them lived. And I have yet to attend a school reunion or event because of them. On the positive side, being wary in general has saved me from several scammers, manipulators, and such. I've developed a 6th sense about people.
ReplyDeleteBullies infuriate me.
ReplyDeleteThey have no idea the impact their stupid, cruel actions have. And even more angering, when you try to explain it to them, they don't listen or understand.
Thank goodness high school ends. ( . . . for the most part.)
*adds to the group hug*
Very well said.
ReplyDeleteLoved the illustration, a wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteVery heartfelt and painful. Good post. Heal.
ReplyDeleteFantastic stuff. Perhaps graphic novels are your next big exploit.
ReplyDeleteFunny, but though I was bullied, I don't remember the names of any of them anymore (except the family members). But I still remember the names of the friends, of those who cherished me, who encouraged me, who saw in me what I am only now beginning to see in myself.
You, though I have not met you, are one of those names. And God bless you for that.
I'm always amazed by how many teens have felt this way. I think we all have names we remember, I know I do. But what's important is what I think you pointed out, that we help others (and allow ourselves) to heal.
ReplyDeleteAmazing post. Brings back a lot of memories. Even 40 years later I remember their names. I didn't let them define my life or destroy it. I never felt the need years later to face them and tell them what they did to me. I seriously doubt they even remember me. And that's the unfortunate part. The bullies years later don't remember who they bullied. Just that they weren't the nicest people in the world to the kids around them. Lasting impressions. But I think it made me stronger. It will make you stronger for it, because we all are more aware of it and make sure it doesn't happen to those we love. Yes, the shell is hard to break, but when it's broken, it enables us to heal. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteKarma. The Universe has a way of giving you what you deserve. I believe that. And I really believe that bullies get theirs too, maybe not soon enough or when we hope they do. But they do. Bullies can't outrun their bad behavior forever. As one of the quiet ones, I can relate to your post today.
ReplyDeleteCute new header and fonts. Wonderful "drawg" (to use K.M. Criddle's term :)). Thanks for letting us into your shell.
ReplyDelete(((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteI've been there. Sometimes I'm still there. And sometimes, I stand up for the people who make me feel like less of a person because no matter what, no one deserves to feel that way.
One of my very best friends of 18 years was someone I used to stick up for when we were kids.
Words/actions certainly do make an impact. I'm so sorry it had to happen to you. :(
Thank you for sharing.
My theme song growing up was Simon and Garfunkel's I Am A Rock
ReplyDeletePS- love the new layout!
ReplyDeleteYou're my favorite :)
ReplyDeleteI love how you "redeemed" some of your bullies' names in your books. Like somehow it's a mark of how strong you are, how capable of taking a bad thing and making it good. Because you are the most capable person I know.
You've helped me heal. And I like that too :)
Natalie, this is what I like about your blog. It's honest and raw and true.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I get the feeling that bloggers are trying too hard, trying too hard to be funny or cute or whatever.
But you just blog and you're you. I admire that.
You're awesome, Nat. What a heartfelt way to speak to those that have gone through it or maybe are still going through it. Rock the drawg, sister! :D
ReplyDelete