Let your (weird) light shine … 11 November 2019 – Posted in: Reflections – Tags:

To all that have been bullied, manipulated and suppressed, whether it be in childhood and/or adulthood – find your light within and let it shine. I saw this little saying on Facebook recently. Let your weird light shine bright so the other weirdos know where to find you. This really resonates with me. I love it!  It was originally posted by Quantum World: Awaken Your Mind page on Facebook. There is a truth to this seemingly whimsical saying. Everyone has something to offer and something that will brighten up another person’s day.  Usually, it is what makes us different that others love and bullies can pick on and try and make you feel bad about yourself.

This week, 11-15 November 2019, is Anti-Bullying Week. This year’s slogan is “Change Starts with Us”.  See their website for more information. Sadly, some of the statistics on their site are: at least 24% of the children that were surveyed said they are bullied once or more a week; 11% say they have missed school because of it. According to the Megan Meier Foundation, an American website about bullying awareness, students are more likely to attempt suicide due to bullying. More worryingly, suicide is the second-highest cause of death in 10-34-year-olds!

Talking about bullying and raising awareness of bullying is important to me. I was bullied as a child and I couldn’t understand – why me?  As a child, I couldn’t wait to grow up because I thought I would escape bullying. Unfortunately, bullies grow up too. I’ve experienced bullying in the workplace and in places and with people that really should know better.

As a child, I felt like a victim. The more I showed it affected me the more they did it and more children would join in. Nowadays, I see and hear all the ways children are bullied today and the ramifications of cyberbullying, including leading to suicide. There is no safe place for children today. Without a doubt, there was a time I contemplated drastic actions. This is why today’s statistics deeply saddens me. Thankfully, there is support available today and helping the awareness is important.

I’m sharing this awareness poster and website because it might just help someone turn their life around!

2023 Update – Useful link – https://www.wizcase.com/blog/a-comprehensive-cyberbullying-guide-for-parents

As an adult, I am no longer a victim of bullying. I embrace my light and if that’s a weird light, then I am going to let it shine and keep letting it shine so others can know they aren’t alone. To all those that have been bullied and are being bullied today, I hope you see a beacon of light in someone else that helps you know you have a purpose, you have a power within you to survive and you are worthy! Perhaps you too will connect with your light within and let it shine so bright it blinds the bullies.

The truth is, the bullies don’t have your light or power or courage. The only way they can find to feel important is to put others down. Don’t let them project their insecurity on you. I often wonder, what makes them that way. Are they unloved? What’s made them feel so insecure? Are they emotionally inept and if so, why? Whatever it is, it isn’t about you (the bullied) it’s about the bully.

Let your weird light shine!

As an adult, I’ve tried hard to stop responding to bullies. I don’t let them under my skin as much as I did and I don’t see myself as a victim either. It doesn’t mean to say I don’t have hurt feelings, because I do.  I’ve come to point where I feel sorry for the bullies, that they feel the need to bully others to feel better about themselves. I now send healing to the bullies I come across on my path.

Change Starts With Us is a good slogan. It’s not just the bullies that need to change. It’s society’s apathy to bullying in children and adults. And it’s how the bullied change the way they think and feel about themselves. To quote Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss.  “… There is no one alive who is youer than you”.

In Spiritualism, we have 7 principles. The 6th one is Compensation and Retribution Hereafter for all the Good and Evil Deeds done on Earth. None of us escapes this and nor will the bullies. It’s up to them to recognise the damage they have and are doing and to turn themselves around. Part of life is to grow from your mistakes and experiences, to grow spiritually. I am not perfect! I have a lot to learn and grow. I know my experiences of being bullied have helped my spiritual growth and have helped me learn to be a better person. I now send healing to bullies along my path. It wasn’t easy at first. I hope they find what it is in them that needs healing or peace for them to grow.

In the meantime… Let your weird light shine!

Part of the Anti-bullying awareness week is Odd Socks day, Tuesday 12 November.  I often wear odd socks, it always makes me smile and I smile when others do it. Please show your support.