A Growing Problem:
I wanted to address this issue because it’s disheartening to see so many people using the internet to hurt others from behind their screens – targeting individuals they’ve never met or even spoken to. This behavior has created a ripple effect, and it’s truly saddening to witness the vast number of people who are in so much pain that they channel their unhappiness into scrutinizing others’ flaws or mistakes instead of addressing their own. The silver lining is that we can make a positive impact by fostering awareness, understanding, and empathy, which will ultimately help us create a solution. Before we delve further, let’s remember one crucial thing: Regardless of your current situation or stage in life, you are enough and absolutely deserving of unconditional love. No. Matter. What!
Now, let’s talk about why people bully, or rather – since there’s a negative connotation with this word, let’s call it:
Why People Project Their Pain Unto Others:
Simply put: hurt people, hurt people.
And while bullying is NEVER okay, it does come with an important lesson (and therefore a solution) in understanding why people may bully. And instead of confronting and loving that part of themselves that is in pain – which could stem as far back as childhood – until it’s dealt with, the ‘victim’ of this pain will project their pain/insecurity unto others because it’s so strongly residing within them. This is what they continue getting triggered by. (Sidenote: my dad hates this word and says we cannot use it in our house anymore, talk about triggered 😂)
Self-Reflection and Treating Others Well:
We never want to feel like a victim, so why put someone else in that situation? And while we are all human and will make mistakes – for growth, we can take the time and reflect on not only how we feel, but how we treat others – strangers and all. The basic rule of thumb is to treat people how you want to be treated. After all, you get back what you put out according to universal law – so, just something to think about.
Understanding Others’ Pain:
But again, keep in mind and understand that people cannot give what they do not have. It doesn’t justify their behavior, but it does shed light on it and is key to growing awareness and understanding among one another and therefore cultivating understanding and a solution, and ideally, a community to help support and build each other up instead of tear down.
We may not be able to change another’s behavior, but we can change ours. We’re not helpless, especially if we have the right people around us. But ultimately, we all have the power to do something about our life.
When thinking from the point of view of the person who is projecting their pain, it’s important to remember that we can’t address the needs of others until we address our own. They cannot handle the issue without addressing their needs. This, in reality, can mean that someone may treat another person poorly (especially if that’s all they know based on their background and upbringing and how they were treated) and not even be aware that they are doing it; as it’s subconscious.
The Importance of Healing:
So whether it’s normal for us to have learned this way of being, or we are just in so much pain that it’s foreseeably invisible to us as to how we affect others, or perhaps we simply cannot fathom to care enough about others because our pain feels bigger than anything else and we simply can’t show up better. Or, perhaps, we project our pain upon a group or person who especially mirrors something within us and try to hurt it instead of healing ourselves. No matter what our catalyst is, either way, our need feels so big that it’s hard to focus on anything else.
And until that need is met, until that pain is acknowledged, felt, and released – it’ll reside in us, only to infect other things, people, or experiences that come our way. And if nothing gets done about it, over time, the pain will grow. When you avoid being aware of and healing yourself, you’ll only procrastinate recognizing the wholeness and love that you always were and are.
Healing is hard, but it’s incredibly empowering too, with some promising results.
Creating a Supportive Community:
This is WHY it begins with just one person doing their inner work. So we can teach ourselves and then one another. We can work together and grow stronger and build thriving communities where healing is constantly celebrated and normalized.
“When we fight each other, it’s a war. When we fight together, it’s a revolution.”
@positivitysparkles
Communities where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported in their journey of growth and self-discovery. And together, we can make a profound impact on the world around us.
But it all begins with us taking responsibility for our own healing and growth. We must face our pain, confront our insecurities, and release our baggage so we can truly show up as our best selves – not just for ourselves, but for the collective too.
Story Representation:
To conclude and portray what a solution could look like / along the lines, I wanted to share a story about a tribe in Africa. The Bebemba tribe.
“In the Babemba tribe of South Africa, when a person acts irresponsibly or unjustly, he is placed in the centre of the village, alone and unfettered. All work ceases, and every man, woman, and child in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused individual. Then each person in the tribe speaks to the accused, one at a time, each recalling the good things the person in the centre of the circle has done in his lifetime. Every incident, every experience that can be recalled with any detail and accuracy, is recounted. All his positive attributes, good deeds, strengths, and kindnesses are recited carefully and at length. This tribal ceremony often lasts for several days. At the end, the tribal circle is broken, a joyous celebration takes place, and the person is symbolically and literally welcomed back into the tribe.”
This story is from https://www.kindspring.org/story/view.php?sid=7535
Taking a Stand Against Bullying:
We can all do our part in turning the tide on bullying by nurturing a compassionate, understanding, and empathetic environment. We can call out bullying behavior when we witness it, offer support and kindness to those affected by it, and encourage dialogue to foster empathy and awareness.
Remember, it’s not just about stopping the bullying behavior itself but also addressing the underlying issues and pain that fuel it. By doing so, we can create a lasting and meaningful change in the lives of those involved and ultimately create a safer, more loving world for everyone.
Conclusion: Empowerment and Change
In conclusion, it’s our responsibility to become the change we want to see in the world. If we want to stop the cycle of hurt, it starts with us. Let’s cultivate understanding and empathy, heal ourselves, and create supportive communities where everyone can thrive. By doing so, we are actively taking a stand against bullying and making a meaningful impact on the world. We can empower one another to be better, to heal, and to grow, ultimately creating a brighter future for all.
It’s time to turn the tide on bullying and be the catalysts for positive change in our society. So let’s be the light we wish to see, and together, we can make a difference. Are you with me? Let’s do this, and always remember – you are enough, and you are deserving of unconditional love. No. Matter. What!
Reflection:
“What personal steps have you taken to create a more supportive and empathetic environment around you? Share your experiences and ideas to help others in their journey to stand against bullying and foster understanding.”
Share Your Thoughts