Shine your light! Don't let the bullies in your life dim it and win.

Shine your light!

I grew up on welfare in government subsidized housing in an abusive and violent home environment by a parent who had a mental illness. As a result, I struggled with my self-esteem. I was told I was worthless, and I believed that lie, but once I attended university and did very well in my classes, and loved learning, I realized that I did have something to offer the world.

I wanted to share love and light with the world and to shine. However, when I did, I was “put back in my place” by my parent. I was also bullied by coworkers in some of my jobs because either (I suspect) that I was too positive and enthusiastic, or they wanted to take out their frustrations on me, someone who would not fight back. If only they knew what I had gone through to get to the place where I could shine: the obstacles I had had to overcome, the battles that I had won to rise above everything around me, along with the negative self-talk that I had to continually fight against because the negative words that I had heard as a teenager were imprinted on my brain.

"You are worthless."

"You are stupid."

"You can't do anything right."

"You are an idiot."

These were the words I heard at home and the wounds went deep, but I pushed through and followed my dream to help children persevere through their own struggles. More than anything I wanted to share the love and light inside me, especially with the children and teenagers I worked with as a teacher and childcare worker throughout my career.

This world consists of light and dark. I struggled emotionally, mentally, and spiritually for many years fighting the darkness I saw around me. If others don’t like it when we shine, it is because they are also struggling.

Today, many children and teenagers are dealing with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Mental health has become an active discussion involving young people. Children/teenagers need support so that they can shine in all that they are: their gifts, abilities, and unique personalities.

We were never meant to live in the shadows. Encourage your children to shine wherever they are, whatever they are doing, and whomever they are with. Empower them. Let the light show through with all that they have to offer. Don’t let anyone dim it. This world needs their light.

Deborah Ann Minke, M.A., B. Ed., OCT, CH-C

Energize and Rise LLC

https://www.energizeandrise.com

(I write my own blogs :)

p.s. If you like this post, please share!