Thankyou for articulating this so beautifully. At the age of 60 I am still haunted by damage done by bullies at the age of 6 and I am still working to heal it.
For me it’s manifested as a really tangible fear of being judged and cast out. Like you, I learned to be resilient and self contained, but the truth is I wanted to be part of the gang so badly …. And even now it causes me fear and hurt if I feel I’m not going to make the cut. I have some practical exams coming up and am worried that I will be paralysed by fear. Leaning on some hypnosis to help with that!
You are right that it taught us to be very empathetic , and it’s also made me into a very good friend. I have many who I cherish.
Absolutely Sarah, the world could use so much more softness, more spaces where people feel safe to just be. Kindness costs nothing, but it changes everything. 💞 Grateful for souls like yours who see that. 😊✨
Sarah, thank you so much for sharing your story, it takes such courage to open up about something so deeply personal. I completely understand that lingering fear of judgment and the ache of wanting to belong; it’s something that leaves such a lasting imprint. It sounds like you’ve done so much to grow and heal, and I hope you give yourself credit for that resilience and for the love you clearly bring into your friendships.
Practical exams can be nerve-wracking, but it sounds like you’re doing all the right things to prepare, like leaning into hypnosis for support. I’m rooting for you and have no doubt that your strength and determination will shine through. Sending so much love and encouragement your way....you’ve got this! 💞
I really enjoyed reading this. Not only because it’s beautifully written and emphasizes the growth that can arise from painful experiences, but because I can personally relate. Thank you for sharing 🩷
Deanna, thank you so much for your kind words 🩷. It means a lot to know that the piece resonated with you and that you could see some of your own experiences in it. Growth through pain is never easy, but I think it’s those moments that really shape us in the most profound ways. I’m so grateful you took the time to share this with me - sending love your way! 🌸
Thank you for being raw about this Salwa. I have been bullied my entire life. I actually laugh at it now because the more I am bullied, the more it makes me look within and release what is no longer serving me, making me even more resilient. Keep working on your resilience and shining your light even brighter.
Karen, thank you for sharing this...it means a lot. I love how you’ve found a way to turn something so painful into a source of strength and self-reflection. That’s such a powerful perspective. Resilience really does grow in those moments when we choose to rise above. Sending you so much gratitude for your kind words and encouragement and here’s to both of us continuing to shine even brighter! 💛✨
As I read this it took me back to similar experiences in my past. And it never goes away, you’re right. But as you pointed out, it really does increase our empathy
Tim. thank you for sharing that, it means so much to know this resonated with you. It’s true, those experiences leave their mark, but I think the empathy they cultivate is such a gift. It allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, even through the pain. Sending you love and gratitude for reflecting on this with me. 💛✨
Thank you, Salwa for sharing a piece of your story with us, especially one that hurt but also shaped you into who you are today. I believe we all come from love, and though life may pull us away, it’s through these experiences that we see the harm fear can cause. In its own mysterious way, pain slowly and gently guides us back to love. I’m so glad you’re here today, helping us find our way back to it.
Claudia, thank you so much for this beautiful reflection, it truly touched my heart. I love the way you’ve framed it, that pain, as difficult as it is, can guide us back to love and connection. That perspective is so powerful and healing. I’m deeply grateful for your kind words and the reminder of how transformative this journey can be. Sending love right back to you. 💛✨
I work as a school nurse and our district takes bullying very seriously. Of course, it still happens and my heart aches for those who are bullied. It can have such detrimental effects but I think it helps others when you share your own story, bringing more awareness. Thank you for this!
Kendra, thank you so much for the work you do as a school nurse, it’s such an important role, especially when it comes to supporting students in tough situations like bullying. I’m really glad to hear your district takes it seriously, though I know it’s still such a difficult thing to fully prevent. Sharing my story is my small way of adding to the awareness, and it means a lot to hear that it resonates. Thank you for your compassion and for being there for kids who need that support most. 💛
What powerful lessons you learned from this terrible experience. Be kind, always advocate for yourself, and know you are not defined by what others do to us. Thanks so much for sharing.
Sheridan, thank you so much for your thoughtful words. It’s true, those lessons, though hard-earned, have shaped so much of who I am today. Kindness, self-advocacy, and knowing our worth beyond others’ actions are such important reminders. I’m grateful for the chance to share this and connect with people like you. 💛
Your essay is honest, insightful and wonderfully written.
Looking back, I see that my beliefs about myself attracted and confirmed the type of bullying I experienced. Once the childhood conditioning was dissolved, the inner and outer bullying stopped.
Ryan, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really glad my essay resonated with you. It’s so powerful how the beliefs we hold about ourselves can shape our experiences. I admire your insight into how dissolving childhood conditioning can stop both the internal and external bullying. It’s such an important part of healing. Thank you for sharing your reflection! 😊
This brought up a lot of unpleasant memories for me. I relate to all that you said. I lost my voice, made myself small, and didn't trust myself. I'm still unlearning all these coping mechanisms. It's hard. Thank you for speaking so vulnerably to this topic. You have such a beautiful heart!
Sam, thank you so much for sharing this. I’m so sorry that my words brought up those painful memories, but I hope it’s a reminder that you’re not alone in this journey. Unlearning those coping mechanisms is so hard, I’m still working on it too but the fact that you’re doing the work speaks volumes about your strength. And thank you for your kind words about my heart it means a lot. Sending you so much love and encouragement as you continue to reclaim your voice and trust yourself again💛
In our small town, my family's presence was a social force—my grandma commanded respect, my mom inspired fear, and my dad's singing was legendary. Bullying would dissolve in my grandmother's shadow, but finding my voice was a gradual journey.
From hesitant whispers in doctor's offices to confident declarations in classrooms and personal spaces, I learned that speaking authentically isn't about pleasing others, but about expressing my truth with intention.
My path was about understanding the difference between speaking from benevolence versus speaking from fear, ultimately embracing my unique narrative without apology.
Leborah, thank you so much for sharing this incredible piece of your story. It’s so powerful how the presence of your family created a kind of shield against bullying, but your journey to find your own voice sounds equally profound. That shift from speaking out of fear to speaking with benevolence and authenticity is such a beautiful transformation, and it resonates deeply. Embracing your narrative without apology is something so many of us strive for. Thank you for reminding me of the strength that comes with speaking our truth intentionally. 💛
When we're born, this is not something that we know about.
We don't know hate, we don't see color or any of those things
They come from either the home or now from society, even our own governments.
The division has to stop so in my opinion I don't blame society or the governments and it's both sides.
It's not one side as some people state. both sides are just as nasty and cruel to each other as the other. It's ridiculous and childish.
So, where does it start?
People need to look in the mirror that's where it needs to start.
And when we see it - stand up, say something about it, don't be in fear and if somebody can't speak for themselves, then we speak for them and we stop this nonsense.
Kathleen, you’ve shared such an important truth here...hate and division aren’t things we’re born with; they’re learned. And you’re absolutely right, it starts with us, with each of us taking a hard look in the mirror and choosing to do better. It’s not about blaming one side or the other, but about collectively standing up for kindness, respect, and humanity. Your words about speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves really resonate. Thank you for sharing this 💛
When I used to draw blood, everybody's was red. As a child and growing up, I've always had friends from many different cultures and skin tones. I wouldn't change it for the world 💕
I love people and I pray daily for us to come together in unity and in love .
Kathleen, your perspective is so beautiful and heartfelt...thank you for sharing it. We do all bleed one colour, and that is such a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. Your love for people and your prayers for unity and love truly shine through, and it’s inspiring. If more people embraced that kind of openness and care, the world would be a much kinder place. God bless you too 💕🙏🏼
Sheri, thank you so much for your kind words and empathy, it truly means a lot. Sharing these parts of my journey isn’t always easy, but hearing from people like you reminds me why it’s so important. Painful experiences can connect us in powerful ways, and I’m grateful for this space to share and reflect together. 💛
Thank you so much for this, Salwa. I love how this entire post also fits so well to the name of your publication "quietly becoming" - shows so much strength you've gathered and how it taught you to be strong and kind. 🧡
Claudia, thank you so much for this lovely message! 🧡 It means a lot that you connected the post to the name of my publication, it really does feel like all of these experiences are part of that quiet process of becoming. Strength and kindness often grow in the most unexpected ways and I’m so grateful for your kind words and support! 💛
Kyle, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! Post-traumatic growth is such a powerful concept, isn’t it? I’m grateful to be able to share and connect with others who understand the beauty that can come from even the hardest experiences. 💛
Wow, does this resonate! I was bullied in school and at home. What turns into empathy for some, can turn into something dark and dangerous in others. Enter exhibit A, about to be inaugurated later today. Kudos for how you grew in empathy. Like you, being bullied helped me recognize others also being bullied.
Nancy, thank you for sharing that, it’s incredible how similar experiences can shape us in such different ways. Empathy can be such a gift, but you’re right, the pain can also take people down darker paths. I’m glad that, like me, you’ve turned it into a way to connect and recognise others who need support. It’s a strength born out of struggle, and it’s so meaningful to hear how you’ve grown from it too. 💛
Thankyou for articulating this so beautifully. At the age of 60 I am still haunted by damage done by bullies at the age of 6 and I am still working to heal it.
For me it’s manifested as a really tangible fear of being judged and cast out. Like you, I learned to be resilient and self contained, but the truth is I wanted to be part of the gang so badly …. And even now it causes me fear and hurt if I feel I’m not going to make the cut. I have some practical exams coming up and am worried that I will be paralysed by fear. Leaning on some hypnosis to help with that!
You are right that it taught us to be very empathetic , and it’s also made me into a very good friend. I have many who I cherish.
Sending you love on your healing journey. 💞
That’s so kind Salwa thanks 😊
The world needs so much more compassion and kindness. It would be so much a better place if everyone felt secure to be just who they are 💞
Absolutely Sarah, the world could use so much more softness, more spaces where people feel safe to just be. Kindness costs nothing, but it changes everything. 💞 Grateful for souls like yours who see that. 😊✨
Sarah, thank you so much for sharing your story, it takes such courage to open up about something so deeply personal. I completely understand that lingering fear of judgment and the ache of wanting to belong; it’s something that leaves such a lasting imprint. It sounds like you’ve done so much to grow and heal, and I hope you give yourself credit for that resilience and for the love you clearly bring into your friendships.
Practical exams can be nerve-wracking, but it sounds like you’re doing all the right things to prepare, like leaning into hypnosis for support. I’m rooting for you and have no doubt that your strength and determination will shine through. Sending so much love and encouragement your way....you’ve got this! 💞
I really enjoyed reading this. Not only because it’s beautifully written and emphasizes the growth that can arise from painful experiences, but because I can personally relate. Thank you for sharing 🩷
Deanna, thank you so much for your kind words 🩷. It means a lot to know that the piece resonated with you and that you could see some of your own experiences in it. Growth through pain is never easy, but I think it’s those moments that really shape us in the most profound ways. I’m so grateful you took the time to share this with me - sending love your way! 🌸
Thank you for being raw about this Salwa. I have been bullied my entire life. I actually laugh at it now because the more I am bullied, the more it makes me look within and release what is no longer serving me, making me even more resilient. Keep working on your resilience and shining your light even brighter.
Karen, thank you for sharing this...it means a lot. I love how you’ve found a way to turn something so painful into a source of strength and self-reflection. That’s such a powerful perspective. Resilience really does grow in those moments when we choose to rise above. Sending you so much gratitude for your kind words and encouragement and here’s to both of us continuing to shine even brighter! 💛✨
thank you Salwa and you to ✨✨🕯️✨✨
💛
As I read this it took me back to similar experiences in my past. And it never goes away, you’re right. But as you pointed out, it really does increase our empathy
Tim. thank you for sharing that, it means so much to know this resonated with you. It’s true, those experiences leave their mark, but I think the empathy they cultivate is such a gift. It allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, even through the pain. Sending you love and gratitude for reflecting on this with me. 💛✨
Thank you, Salwa for sharing a piece of your story with us, especially one that hurt but also shaped you into who you are today. I believe we all come from love, and though life may pull us away, it’s through these experiences that we see the harm fear can cause. In its own mysterious way, pain slowly and gently guides us back to love. I’m so glad you’re here today, helping us find our way back to it.
Claudia, thank you so much for this beautiful reflection, it truly touched my heart. I love the way you’ve framed it, that pain, as difficult as it is, can guide us back to love and connection. That perspective is so powerful and healing. I’m deeply grateful for your kind words and the reminder of how transformative this journey can be. Sending love right back to you. 💛✨
Truly touched. 💛
I work as a school nurse and our district takes bullying very seriously. Of course, it still happens and my heart aches for those who are bullied. It can have such detrimental effects but I think it helps others when you share your own story, bringing more awareness. Thank you for this!
Kendra, thank you so much for the work you do as a school nurse, it’s such an important role, especially when it comes to supporting students in tough situations like bullying. I’m really glad to hear your district takes it seriously, though I know it’s still such a difficult thing to fully prevent. Sharing my story is my small way of adding to the awareness, and it means a lot to hear that it resonates. Thank you for your compassion and for being there for kids who need that support most. 💛
Thank you Salwa!
What powerful lessons you learned from this terrible experience. Be kind, always advocate for yourself, and know you are not defined by what others do to us. Thanks so much for sharing.
Sheridan, thank you so much for your thoughtful words. It’s true, those lessons, though hard-earned, have shaped so much of who I am today. Kindness, self-advocacy, and knowing our worth beyond others’ actions are such important reminders. I’m grateful for the chance to share this and connect with people like you. 💛
Likewise, Salwa, I'm grateful to be able to read the insights and experiences of people like you :)
💜
Your essay is honest, insightful and wonderfully written.
Looking back, I see that my beliefs about myself attracted and confirmed the type of bullying I experienced. Once the childhood conditioning was dissolved, the inner and outer bullying stopped.
Thank you for writing about bullying.
Ryan, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really glad my essay resonated with you. It’s so powerful how the beliefs we hold about ourselves can shape our experiences. I admire your insight into how dissolving childhood conditioning can stop both the internal and external bullying. It’s such an important part of healing. Thank you for sharing your reflection! 😊
💔🤗🙏🏾
🤍🤍
🤍🤍
This brought up a lot of unpleasant memories for me. I relate to all that you said. I lost my voice, made myself small, and didn't trust myself. I'm still unlearning all these coping mechanisms. It's hard. Thank you for speaking so vulnerably to this topic. You have such a beautiful heart!
Sam, thank you so much for sharing this. I’m so sorry that my words brought up those painful memories, but I hope it’s a reminder that you’re not alone in this journey. Unlearning those coping mechanisms is so hard, I’m still working on it too but the fact that you’re doing the work speaks volumes about your strength. And thank you for your kind words about my heart it means a lot. Sending you so much love and encouragement as you continue to reclaim your voice and trust yourself again💛
It does help to know I'm not alone.
Sending you love right back!
💛💛
In our small town, my family's presence was a social force—my grandma commanded respect, my mom inspired fear, and my dad's singing was legendary. Bullying would dissolve in my grandmother's shadow, but finding my voice was a gradual journey.
From hesitant whispers in doctor's offices to confident declarations in classrooms and personal spaces, I learned that speaking authentically isn't about pleasing others, but about expressing my truth with intention.
My path was about understanding the difference between speaking from benevolence versus speaking from fear, ultimately embracing my unique narrative without apology.
Leborah, thank you so much for sharing this incredible piece of your story. It’s so powerful how the presence of your family created a kind of shield against bullying, but your journey to find your own voice sounds equally profound. That shift from speaking out of fear to speaking with benevolence and authenticity is such a beautiful transformation, and it resonates deeply. Embracing your narrative without apology is something so many of us strive for. Thank you for reminding me of the strength that comes with speaking our truth intentionally. 💛
When we're born, this is not something that we know about.
We don't know hate, we don't see color or any of those things
They come from either the home or now from society, even our own governments.
The division has to stop so in my opinion I don't blame society or the governments and it's both sides.
It's not one side as some people state. both sides are just as nasty and cruel to each other as the other. It's ridiculous and childish.
So, where does it start?
People need to look in the mirror that's where it needs to start.
And when we see it - stand up, say something about it, don't be in fear and if somebody can't speak for themselves, then we speak for them and we stop this nonsense.
Kathleen, you’ve shared such an important truth here...hate and division aren’t things we’re born with; they’re learned. And you’re absolutely right, it starts with us, with each of us taking a hard look in the mirror and choosing to do better. It’s not about blaming one side or the other, but about collectively standing up for kindness, respect, and humanity. Your words about speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves really resonate. Thank you for sharing this 💛
When I used to draw blood, everybody's was red. As a child and growing up, I've always had friends from many different cultures and skin tones. I wouldn't change it for the world 💕
I love people and I pray daily for us to come together in unity and in love .
God bless you 🙏
Kathleen, your perspective is so beautiful and heartfelt...thank you for sharing it. We do all bleed one colour, and that is such a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. Your love for people and your prayers for unity and love truly shine through, and it’s inspiring. If more people embraced that kind of openness and care, the world would be a much kinder place. God bless you too 💕🙏🏼
A beautiful piece about a painful topic. So sorry you went through this. You are beautiful to share all parts of your journey with us.
Sheri, thank you so much for your kind words and empathy, it truly means a lot. Sharing these parts of my journey isn’t always easy, but hearing from people like you reminds me why it’s so important. Painful experiences can connect us in powerful ways, and I’m grateful for this space to share and reflect together. 💛
Thank you so much for this, Salwa. I love how this entire post also fits so well to the name of your publication "quietly becoming" - shows so much strength you've gathered and how it taught you to be strong and kind. 🧡
Claudia, thank you so much for this lovely message! 🧡 It means a lot that you connected the post to the name of my publication, it really does feel like all of these experiences are part of that quiet process of becoming. Strength and kindness often grow in the most unexpected ways and I’m so grateful for your kind words and support! 💛
🧡
Beautiful example of post traumatic growth. Thank you for sharing Salwa
Kyle, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! Post-traumatic growth is such a powerful concept, isn’t it? I’m grateful to be able to share and connect with others who understand the beauty that can come from even the hardest experiences. 💛
I’m grateful that you do it because you’re excellent at it!
💜
Wow, does this resonate! I was bullied in school and at home. What turns into empathy for some, can turn into something dark and dangerous in others. Enter exhibit A, about to be inaugurated later today. Kudos for how you grew in empathy. Like you, being bullied helped me recognize others also being bullied.
Nancy, thank you for sharing that, it’s incredible how similar experiences can shape us in such different ways. Empathy can be such a gift, but you’re right, the pain can also take people down darker paths. I’m glad that, like me, you’ve turned it into a way to connect and recognise others who need support. It’s a strength born out of struggle, and it’s so meaningful to hear how you’ve grown from it too. 💛