Thank you!

I can't thank you enough for the positive feedback on my story about bullying. So many wonderful people have shared the link, left comments on my various social networking sites, and even better some of you have shared with me your own stories of being bullied or being the bully. I love the support we are all giving each other! I thought for sure that the post would get me some backlash and I'm so ecstatic to see that is not the case at all!

It feels like absolute kismet that I posted it on Monday, as it is National Suicide Prevention Week. I did not even know that at the time, but it feels like fate stepped in and God used me to voice my story on a week where it could possibly matter the most. It's been one of my most popular posts in the shortest amount of time, which should show that none of us are alone in this battle. Bullying can happen to anyone and there is no reason that we should be silent about it.

Also, if you are reading this and going through a hard time, please email me any time. I am here and will listen to you. I know what it feels like to feel alone and to be brought down for who you are, what you wear, how you act, how you look, etc. Bullying needs to stop, both face-to-face and cyber. Both cause just as much pain. Bullying does not help anyone. It only destroys and hurts. It is not an attractive trait and it will never be the thing that gets you far in life.

As a girl, I can relate to the girl-on-girl scenario. Most of those that bullied me and try to continue to do so are women. Why do we need to hate on each other so much? Why must there be so much jealousy? Sometimes I sit back and realize that might just be the real reason I chose to be "one of the guys" for the longest time. My guy friends never made anything a competition or put me down just because they can. As women, we need to cut this nonsense and start supporting one another.

I was raised by the kindest and one of the most religious people I have ever met, my great aunt. And let me tell you one thing, she raised me with the right kind of morals and love. To her, there was no excuse as racism, homophobia, or anything of those natures. All people were equal and deserving of the same kind of love and respect and that is what she gave. That is what she taught me and that is what I give. Love will get you much farther than hate ever will. Choose love and everything else will fall into place.

And if you can't do any of that, at least practice this golden rule and keep your words to yourself:

After a while, small voices carry and gather strength and their messages are heard loudly. Let's make a difference and spread love, not hate!

*Perhaps this is also fitting as we remember the events and victims of 9/11 and continue to mend our country, feelings, and hearts.