One of the main reasons I wrote my Children’s book -
Matty-boy and the Secret Pigeon Racket
was to encourage the reader to tell someone if they are being bullied.
I also hope to promote my blog as a place of safety, a place of sharing of ideas to help one another. For when life feels like it is falling apart for one reason or another we all need a place that encourages us, a place where we can be reminded that situations can change, even in our darkest hour.
I was reminded of a great quote that I read on another blog about friendship:-
’ A real friend is the one who walks in, when the rest of the world walks out.’
(Author of Quote – W. Winchell (1897-1972) (Thanks for the reminder mmath)
Each of us are in different situations, maybe you are fortunate in that you are close to your family and/or have some fantastic friends, or maybe your relationships with your family and/or friends are broken in one way or another.
When you are in the situation of being bullied in whatever form that may take, all of the things that seemed sure and strong can often feel distant and muddled.
Growing up, brings along so many new challenges and sometimes confusing experiences, you may begin to question who you are, what you want in life… pressures of school and so on…
If we can find true friends to share our lives with, the once heavy burden, can be lifted.
When you feel that no one understands, that you are the only person in the world who is going through this and you don’t know the way out, there are many organisations who can enable you to walk through the dark valley onto a lighter path.
In one of my other posts supporting anti-bullying week, I have listed several organisations who can give excellent support and advice. If you feel unable to talk to a family member or a friend about your experience of bullying, then I would suggest contacting one of the organisations. Childline is also there for you 24/7.
As anxiety deepens and goes around and around in our heads the situation will often feel like it’s a prison. It doesn’t need to be, there are many people – Your School, charities, churches etc…who are waiting with a key, to open the door and lead us through.
No one deserves to be bullied, we are all different and special, each with our own talents and gifts.
Throughout our lives we often need a helping hand at some point. If this is hard for you, sit still (I like to be out among the trees, or a beautiful meadow) place your hand on your knee and slowly hold your hand out like you are reaching out to hold someone’s hand, maybe picture an occasion when you felt secure and free of worry, repeat this as many times as you need. I used this technique many times when I felt insecure. It’s okay to ask for help, it isn’t weak to ask for help. A part of human nature is to be in community, to be with each other and offer help to one another. Over the years if I have been able to help someone, it has been a real blessing as they have put their trust in me.
In Matty-boy and the Secret Pigeon Racket, Matt is bullied at School, we can see the various turmoils that he goes through in whether to tell someone what is happening to him. How about going on the journey with him… what choices did he make…?
Each of us have choices in life… at one time in my life I felt that choices were restrictive, often more of a problem rather than something to treasure, as I felt that I had no choices – but I did. I could either suffer in silence or share with someone and enable the situation to change.
Maybe you have been bullied in the past… What helped you when you were being bullied? Where did you go for help? What do you know now that you wish you had known at the time?
There is a wonderful purpose and plan for each of us, let’s not miss the incredible adventure that is called – life…
