Take Responsibility, NOT Blame

Taking responsibility for the solution is NOT taking blame for the problem, and it is crucial to your success. The bully is to blame for their negative behavior, but dealing with the problems they cause in your life is YOUR responsibility. Dealing with the messes they cause can be a time to reflect on what's happened. You can separate yourself from the situation to recognize its ridiculousness and the humor or even anger you feel. This will open you to seeing what your next move should be. Find what you may have done to provoke the bully. It's a tough question, but it will help you in the end: What made the bully pick on you in the first place? Once you answer that, you'll have a powerful choice to make. Either you'll take their negative feedback to heart, realize you have done something to irritate them, and make a gradual change that will only benefit you. OR you'll realize the bully is annoyed by something that's central to who you are. In that case you will double down with self-acceptance both internally and likely externally too. As long as the bully is no danger to you, you can go right ahead and rub this part of who you are in their face if you want. Being yourself, unapologetically, is the direct opposite of bully food, and it works just as well to be subtle as it does to be loud and proud of who you are. How you express yourself is always your choice, and the bully will move over when they see you'll never give up on yourself.Disclaimer: Keep in mind I am a teacher, not a therapist nor healthcare provider. It's my pleasure to provide lessons here to teach young people about the pattern of bullying and successful ways to approach it. I ask all young listeners to reach out to trusted adults and parents before implementing the lessons in their personal lives. This content is not meant to replace advice from a therapist or provider. Listening and learning here is your choice, as is any decision you make to act on what you learn. I do not know all of you personally, so I cannot provide personalized instruction during the episodes. However, I'm here to help and support you, and I want the best for you.