Message
This isn't a story. This is a statement. This is my mantra, the saying that got me through Middle School, and will carry me through High School too.
Don't take nothing from nobody.
There's a difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is the actual action of registering noise. Listening is taking what you hear to heart, truly considering it, and believing it to be true. Remembering what you hear.
Some people believe that taking nothing from nobody means getting in people's faces and confronting them if they say something mean about you. It doesn't. It means that you hear the mean comments, but don't listen to them. Have thick skin and nerves of steel, and you can get through anything. What other people say about you doesn't matter.
Think about that. If you're being bullied, consider this: Do these jerks know you better than you know yourself? What right do they have to tell you who you are? The answers? They don't.
Speaking as a girl, girls can be incredibly cruel and hateful. They gossip. They bully. It doesn't matter. Keep a serene attitude, and people will notice. I've been told several times that I'm a leader because I take command and I don't care if someone doesn't like the way I do things.
They're entitled to their own opinion, but it doesn't need to bother me. A little bit of snark is fun to throw in too.
Be loyal to your friends. If you hear someone talking about them, don't just listen. Tell them to shut up and mind their own business. They have no right to judge your friends.
If you're worried about what they'll think, ask yourself this: Does the gossipy girl's opinion matter than your friend's? I hope you pick the right answer. I can honestly tell you that the best feeling in the world is when your friend sticks up for you.
People say that you should ignore people who bully and gossip, and if they don't stop, tell a teacher. I say that's stupid. People don't stop talking about you if you ignore them. The people who gossip are needy and shallow. Don't let their opinions matter. If you feel the need to, tell an adult. My advice, however, is to stand up to them. My personal favorite weapon is sarcasm. You have a mouth, use it!
My message isn't about self esteem. It's about standing up for yourself, because no one but you has the authority or right to tell you who you are. Because by standing up for yourself, you convince yourself of your own worth. Everything else will fall into place. God made you beautiful. It's your decision whether or not to recognize your own beauty. No one else's.
