Saturday, August 18, 2012

008. don't go breakin' my heart...

Hey, it's just me. And I'm back to school. It is weird trying to get back into the swing of things, but I am so ready to be back! I love seeing my friends and starting my new major and being in leadership! So much to look forward to. However, there is one thing that I am not looking forward to.

MY heart being broken and played with again.

Yeah I know, it is partially my fault for letting that happen to me last year. I am over it! But as we all know, it is way easier to get over something when the situation goes away for a little while. When it is not part of daily life, it is easy to forget. But, in the next few hours, I have to once again build a cement wall around my heart in order to concentrate on myself, my leadership responsibilities, and my major. I just don't wanna have him go and break my heart once again, when it really isn't my fault.

Ugh, so annoying, right? I'm over it but at the same time I don't think I am. I want to be, but when you are in the moment, well... You get what I'm saying, right? Or is that just me? 

I know I shouldn't even worry right now. Why get all apprehensive over what is now absolutely nothing? My mom always used to tell me to figure out the present before worrying about the future. But this pit in my stomach I've had since I woke up this morning? Yeah, it ain't helping one bit.

I don't want anything to happen at this point in my life. I guess I just have to stand by that concept and just not let it. Because I feel that if I do let the wall come down too much again, this time it will absolutely be my fault.

But hey, that's just me. 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

007. why cyberbullies?

Hey, it's just me. Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. My bad. Anyway, I wanted to talk about the ABC Family movie Cyberbully that came out last summer. Ever heard of or seen it? Well, I hope so. If not, go on Netflix and watch it. 

The movie basically lays out a story of a girl who gets bullied through a popular social networking site to the point that she attempts to kill herself. Luckily, her friend and mom catch her before it's too late. But, this isn't just another Hollywood movie. Yes, there is a happy ending, but it takes a lot to get there. And another thing, this stuff is real. People do go through this. Everyday. 

Have you ever known someone who has been cyberbullied? I have. What did you do? Did you try to stop the bully, or stand up for the victim? Or, did you just sit there in front of your computer watching it unfold in front of your eyes and hitting the reload button to get the whole play-by-play? Or even worse, did you join in on the bullying? You know the saying "sticks and stone will break my bones, but words will never hurt me"? You know what I have to say to that? Bull! Total and utter bull!! Now a days with the internet and social networks, words hurt ten times more than a punch. It's also ten times easier to be a bully and hide behind a computer screen instead of saying words to someone's face, hence the rise in cyberbullying.

Now, for my next question. Have YOU ever been cyberbullied? Ever been call a slut? A loser? Has someone ever commented on your favorite photo of yourself and said you looked fat and/or ugly? Please know, you are not alone. And also know that there are laws FINALLY in place to deal with these types of issues legally. These bullies can be stopped. They may feel indestructible, but they are so wrong. 

With that being said, are you wondering what you should do? Here are some few steps I advise you to take.
1. Tell someone, preferably an adult. Doesn't necessarily have to be a parent, just an adult you can trust.
2. Print out the evidence, ALL the evidence. Don't wait, have this on file. Because if the bully know you are trying to do something, there is a good chance they will try to delete what they did. Beat them at their own game.
3. Shut down your page, or advise the victim to do so. I know this will be hard. And sure, the bully may think they've won by seeing that you've done this. But, hey, if there's no wall for them to post on where are they gonna post?
4. See if your state has an anti-cyberbullying law, and try to take action. The hyperlink leads you to a page with the states and their respective laws. If you are a student, go to the principal with your trusted adult and see in addition to the state's law if your school has a policy in how to handle the situation.
5. Do not feel alone. Because you are not. Chances are there is another person around you being bullied as well, and they didn't have the strength to do what you're doing. You aren't only doing this for yourself, but the other victims around you.

I know this may be scary. I know you may feel like a tattle-tale. But just know that speaking up is the RIGHT thing to do. Please take action. 

But hey, that's just me.

Have any thoughts? Ever been in this situation? Have any other advice? Give me a comment.