Dear Bullies,
Today has been a day of reflection and growth. A day of gratitude and appreciation; a day of being thankful. Today Bullies; I found thanks for all of you who have spent time in my life, and I wanted to make this newly found appreciation public-so here I go!
See Bullies, you have been the most consistent source of feedback throughout my 36 years of life, ever present. When I was a youngster, you always provided me with feedback on my self worth; my beauty; my value (or lack thereof) as a human being.
As I grew Bullies you remained ever present; never too distant, never too busy to remind me that you define me, that your views of who and what I should be were of the utmost importance-constantly making me a top priority in your life! Always finding time to deman me; to criticize me; to remind me that I was not loveable.
When I grew up; entered my chosen career, surrounded myself with like minded, professional, dedicated adults-I was certain our relationship would come to an abrupt end. I mean, I know we go way back Bullies, but all things come to an end. But there you were, thriving amongstest the educated and enlightened. So our relationship continued- you visiting me more frequently than before; never missing an achivement, a job well done, a success.
You Bullies have been there for me on the most important days of my life. If I'm being honest; I'd have been okay if you would have skipped a few-taken a break from reminding me how insignificant I am compared to you; but I'm so thankful you never took a day off back then!
You see Bullies-the thing you are likely unaware of is that with every failed attempt of breaking my spirit; every failed attempt to clip my wings and cage me in an effort to make yourself feel more comfortable; everytime you tore me down, you provided me with practice on rebuilding myself, each time getting a little stronger. You see Bullies-I found empathy and compassion for you; I saw the fear that lives within each of you, and I accepted that we would learn to coexist.. That was until today. Today Bullies you came at me in full force; shouting from the rooftops "YOU'RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH" "YOU AS YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE" "CONFORM OR PAY THE PRICE".. And in that moment; I got to see you Bullies-for what you truly are; and me for what I truly am.
I am strong, I am dedicated, I live with integrity, I am full of resolve-and I am not going anywhere. Thank You Bullies for showing me my true gifts, but now is time for us to go our seperate ways, me on my path, you on yours. Now I don't expect this parting of ways to go smoothly, I expect there will be some bumps Bullies; I mean without me, your life has very little value. Just know Bullies, this seperation will happen-And I am prepared to fight for my freedom!
Bring it on!
~EJ
