Anti-bullying week | BEDN

We've all experienced bullying in some way, shape or form whether we've been a victim or witnessed it.

By definition a bully is described as a tyrant that torments. This can come from any place in our lives.

I was bullied as a child and as a young adult. The bullying I experienced came in the form of mental abuse. It came from those near me and from those in the public.

People can be cruel.

The main reason people bully is because they figure out a person's vulnerabilities. They take advantage of those vulnerabilities. By doing this it in some way makes the abuser feel superior.

In the animal kingdom there's the Alpha and the Omega. Number one and every one else is submissive. Humans are the same way. Those who are bullies gain a false sense of authority and take advantage of it. The people who are vulnerable don't fight back because they don't feel they have a choice. That's just not the case. We have choices. I like this quote: "If you don't make a choice someone will make it for you." In essence, you give them permission to lord over you. Stand your ground and tell them "No." Don't allow them to make choices for you.

Here's some tips to avoid being bullied:

1. Be assertive.
   a. Stand firm
   b. Be confident
   c. Be decisive
   d. Be bold
2. Learn to have more self-esteem
   a. Have dignity for yourself
   b. Have self-respect
   c. Have confidence
   d. Have faith in yourself
3. Be a part of a tribe
   a. Surround yourself with positive people
   b. Surround yourself with people who encourage you
   c. Surround yourself with people who will support you
   d. Surround yourself with enthusiastic people

There's a zillion ways and people who are ready to step up to the task of mentoring you.

If you need a mentor... seek one out. Contact me for a free 30 minute consultation of life coaching.