Recently I saw Shane Koyczan's To This Dayvideo. Everyone should watch it because it's so heartbreakingly true and beautiful. It reminds us that bullying is going on everywhere even though we might not notice it. I've written about bullying before but there are still things unsaid.
I got my share of bullying. It was "only" a little share so I guess you can say I was lucky. I was lucky because it taught me a lot about who my real friends are and that, indeed, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. We don't control what life hands us but we do control how we tackle it. It's something I learned a while ago and something that I always keep in mind. Sometimes, like in my case, a person shows up and literally saves your life by just being there with you when nobody else will. But not everybody has that person in their life. So this one goes out to all the underdogs that are or have been treated unfairly and might not have anybody there for them.
I know it's hard to believe this when you're being bullied, but you are not alone. Thousands of others have gone through the same thing. Some made it and others didn't. There are places where you can get help, where you can talk someone. Just don't keep it to yourself because there are people out there that really do want to help. There's always hope. I stayed in my room all the time, except for going to school and barely attending football practices, but I got outlet through writing poems. Looking at them now it's very evident how angry and hurt I was. The bullies out there should take note and remember that everything we do and say has consciences, good or bad. One day the underdogs will have had enough.
We all have people who we admire, look up to or even call heros. I'm no exception. I really look up to Ellen DeGeneres. She's not just incredibly funny but also a genuinely kind person. I love watching her show and try to do so whenever I can. Don't get me wrong I really like her monologues and interviews, but what I love the most is when she gives something back. So when I'm watching Ellen my neighbors, Andy and Enda, either hear me laughing uncontrollably or sobbing over Ellen's kindness. My one true hero, and my rock, is my wonderful mom. I honestly don't know where I would be without her and all her support. She has always encouraged me to go after my dreams, even though they are more often than not way up in the sky, and she's always given me the freedom to be me. She's also the reason why I'm so open minded. My mom is that person that everybody confides in and she always seems to have the right answers. She's very humble, a true friend of her friends and she she's always willing to give something back, whether that's amazing food or love.
For me being a hero isn't about how much money you make, how popular you are or how many songs you write. For me being a hero is being kind, willing to help others (without expecting anything in return) and never stop fighting for the things and the people you love. That's why I think my mom and people like her are heroes. I also think that the underdogs are the actual heroes. When you keep on fighting even if everything and everyone is against you is what being a hero is all about. I'm not saying that paramedics, doctors, the police or firefighters aren't heroes. What I'm saying is that it takes everything to fight for every breath you take because people tell you just to go and end it. So to all the underdogs out there I want to say: Don't ever change who you are because it isn't right for society, the "in" crowd or your family. We all have something special inside of us that makes us truly beautiful and unique. Never lose yourself by trying to be something you're not. If they call you a nerd then show them what nerds are all about and what you are made of. Prove to them that there's more to you then they think and you prove them wrong.
I believe in karma, that what goes around comes around. Thus, treat people the way you want them to treat you. Think before you act because it's easier said than done to build up self confidence after it has been shattered. If you have nothing nice to say then don't say anything at all. Karma can be a real bitch ;) We come in different shapes and sizes but that's also the beauty of it. It would be pretty boring if there would only be Johns and Janes out there. Whatever you do just keep in mind what Bill Gates said so brilliantly:
Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.
So for once let's raise our glass to the underdog.