A Cry for Help.

When you grow up in a small town, you get very accustomed to word, news, or gossip spreading like wild fire. Sometimes what you hear is silly. But recently I received news that completely broke my heart.

A young man at my high school decided to take his own life because he was being bullied by his peers. Teens need to understand that bullying is wrong. Wrong in every way possible. They may get pleasure out of teasing but it tears someone else apart and makes them feel helpless. To get a rouse out of hurting someone else is disgusting and pathetic.

It is up to us adults to be role models and advocates for the kids that are being bullied. Do NOT act as if it is not a major issue. It is. Far too many lives are being lossed and it's time to change that.

For those of you that are being bullied, PLEASE speak up. Confide in someone. Get help. Fight back. DO NOT GIVE UP.

Step 1: Admitting you have a problem.

Addicion. Family troubles. Relationship issues. Trouble at home. Negative body image. Low self-esteem.

Problems that people can face are endless. Many times, we chose to face our weaknesses or challenges alone. Without a doubt, this can be beneficial as long as problems are being faced and dealt with. But often, some may rather sweep things under the rug and put on a brave face. Yup, you guessed it, this is me. I would rather force a smile on my face then to let others know something is truely bothering me. Lately, thanks to a few close friends, I have begun to question my tactics I use when dealing with problems.

Lately, I have found that problems/issues are put to rest more quickly and effciently if they are faced head on. It makes it easier to continue one's growth as a person. A few tips to help with facing your own insecurities from my own findings and others:

1. Define or pinpoint what is bothering you.

2. Ask some BIG questions. (Why does this bother me? Who cause it? When did it begin? Who else does this effect? Who's my support group? How can it be fixed?)

3. Work towards your solution positively. (Talk it out calmly, work out to relieve some of the stressed it causes, write about it in a journal, etc.)

4. Get help if needed.- Never think you are alone. Confide in friends, family, or religion that can offer advice or comfort in a matter. If you feel like this is not an option, seek professional help. Therapists may be intimidating but studies show how useful they are and they really do help people everyday.

5. Be patient. - Some things take time to heal. Look for small progression along the way to keep you motivated and hopeful.

6. In the end, REFLECT. When the problem is finally in the past, look back on how much progress you have made! Remember what it felt like to struggle, that way if you ever face another big problem you know you have what it takes to fight back, and win.

I hope that if you have any current struggles that this post can relate to you and encourage you to be brave and work toward a solution.

I owe who I am to my parents, grandparents, and my best friends because they have such wonderful advice and give me the support the I need when times get rough. <3

Girls Will Be Girls

In one of my classes, we recently were assigned to read Rachel Simmons' novel, "Odd Girl Out." This novel is reseached based about the alternative aggression in girls. Unlike boys, girls cannot simply "fight it out'' because girls are suppose to be sweet and have no problems with each other. This lack of realization causes girls to hold in their feelings and let it manifest into bigger problems. Girls fight these problems with body language, the silent treatment, and gossip. They use those closest to them to gain power and release aggression.

How many of you have been affected by alternative aggression? The numbers are sky high. Girls are known for being manipulative becuase there is no other way to release aggression.

Simmons would ask girls, "Do you tell a friend if you are mad at her?" Students repeatedly said no due to not wanting to hurt her feelings. Girls are scolded for directly hurting feelings so they must find more sly and covert ways to do so.

This novel is a GREAT read. It opens your eyes about so many issues, that we as a society ignore. Alternative aggression has a long-term negative affect on many women, so I hope that schools learn to recognize these forms of bullying and put an end to them.

To learn more read, rent, listen on tape to ODD GIRL OUT :)