Don't Be a Villain

Bullying is something that needs to stop, but nowadays it seems to be spreading like wildfire. What's the point of purposefully being mean to people and making their life miserable? There's no point. Being a bully won't make you powerful or strong, it just makes you the villain in someone's life. I don't think anyone actually wants to be a villain. 

I know we love the villain in television shows and movies, but more often than not, the villain has had some cruelty placed upon them and then they want to take the pain they're feeling out on innocent people who did them no wrong. 

  The following image above this paragraph perfectly sums up what I'm talking about; blowing out someone's candle will never make yours shine any brighter. I have never understood why there's a need to hurt or condemn someone for being different; but it never hurts to try to get to know a person and see them for who they are.  

 You are allowed to not understand something or someone, but you're most certainly not allowed to be mean about it. 

In my life, there have been moments where I haven't understood a person, but I took the time to get to know them and see them for who they are. Now in my daily life, I make it a priority to get to know a person for who they are instead of making assumptions based on appearances because it's impossible to get to know a person based on those things. 

  People seem to lack empathy these days, then again, it's been an ongoing problem along with bullying. There's a quote from To Kill a Mockingbird that talks about empathy: 

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”
― Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

The next time you want to make a judgement based on appearances or assumptions, remember this quote and remember we're all imperfect. We need more kindness in this world; it's already a dark and scary place. Let's help each other along the way and build each other up.   I recognize that there are those who want to have set boundaries from a certain person, and you can make those boundaries, but set them in a loving way instead of being vengeful. You're allowed to not want to have certain people in your life. 

 I realize that we get stressed out and snap when we don't mean to, it's part of being human. We're all imperfect; in the end, remember to be kind and let people know that they're loved and cared for. The halls, classrooms, and cafeteria at school can be the loneliest places for a student. Kids are trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do in life; and those moments are exceedingly vulnerable for them. Be a hero to someone who needs one whatever the facet of their lives may be.

Take a moment to remember all the wonderful people in your life and let them know how much you appreciate them. We need more heroes and less villains. Be a superhero and save the day for someone who may need saving; whether it be at school, work, in your community, etc. 

Don't be a villain.