Prompt- What was this day in 2001 like for you?
When I was planning these prompts, I came across this one worded slightly differently and I debated it for today. I thought, 9/11, of course. But, would it be cliche? Because a lot of people are probably writing about this day and how it changed their lives. But, then I thought, that's sad that I would even consider it being cliche. Because it's not. It's a day that we should continue to remember, like Pearl Harbor or Oklahoma City. Because, while it is a tragedy, it impacted the world in so many ways and, maybe for a brief moment, brought people together under a cause.
Over the years, some of the details have faded in my memory but I know where I was and what I was doing on that horrible day. I was a senior in high school. I left my first class to set up banners from the day before. The 9th grade retreat was that Monday and there were banners and crafts the freshmen class had created so some of the retreat team were displaying them in the cafeteria for the rest of the school to see. When I returned to my class to get my books, they were airing when the President was informed at the school in Florida. I didn't know what was going on until I got to my second class, which was Web Design. My teacher filled me in and had the news on, as long as we promised to try and get our work done.
And, that was when we saw the second tower get hit and then they both fell. It was the most frightening thing I had ever seen in my 17 years of life. I remembered reading a story about a clothing factory in New York that caught fire in the early years of the last century and how the girls trapped inside were leaping from the window because the elevator didn't work. Everyone above where the planes hit, they had no way out and some did jump. And, the people who were still making their way down when the towers fell. My next thought was, "Oh, dear God, be with all those people trapped inside and now dying!" I couldn't focus on my work. I was fixated to the screen. I prayed harder than I ever prayed in my life. I was scared for all those people. I was scared about what would happen next. When we heard about the Pentagon, I was worried about where something would happen next. And, later that day to find the plane that crashed in PA was in Cleveland!
The day passed by in a blur. My remaining third class, choir, we couldn't watch anything. But, my final class, we watched the news. When the bell rang at 2:30, I went to catch my bus but my mom was there to get me. We picked up my sister and went home. After dinner, we watched the news while doing homework and then we all curled up on the couch together like when we were little. I think I remember my sister asking why this happened and the only explanation my parents could give was that there are some evil people in the world who don't want the rest of us to be happy. They want people to be scared. Makes them feel powerful. It was as good an explanation as any to a 17 and 12 year old, I guess.
But, then, when Congress gathered on the steps of the Capitol and sang God Bless America... together, forgetting differences in party and opinion, I remembered that good exists and what we need to work on doing is make sure the good always outweighs the evil.
I know that can be hard when there are organizations of hate like ISIS in the Mid East and the Klan here. When children are committing suicide for being gay or an autistic boy is having human waste dumped on him in a sadistic prank when he thought he was doing the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. When football athletes, who are viewed as role models for young boys, beat their spouses. Certain organizations who are supposed to follow Christian teachings protest funerals of soldiers and say they are going to hell because they fought for their country. Stories like that seem to flood our headlines and it makes the world into a frightening place to be. I've often caught myself saying, I don't think I want to bring children into a world like this. But, then I see the joy in my best friend's toddler when he's playing with my boyfriend on our occasional visits. I get a hug from a little girl who sees me every day in the store. I see organizations like NOH8, the No Body Shame Campaign, and Eliminate Prejudice all fighting for equality and against bullying based on gender, orientation, body type, race, and religion/beliefs. If only those positive things received more press than the negative.
If we could focus on the good, it would not eliminate the bad but it maybe it would help future generations see there are better ways to spend their time and better causes to fight for.
Thanks for reading.
Carey
Showing posts with label stand up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stand up. Show all posts
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Sunday, March 2, 2014
30 Day Writing Challenge Day 2
"Something I Feel Strongly About"
Hi everyone!
This took a lot of thought because the topic I want to discuss today is very close to the heart for me and I really had to try and reign in my emotions in order to have a coherent entry.
I feel very strongly about bullying. Anti-bullying awareness and policies for prevention. Also, letting victims know that they don't have to put up with it. Stand up or yourself. Don't believe what people say because you know in your heart that what they say isn't true.
Let's face it. People are brutal. Kids and adults alike. In my experience, I've both witnessed and been on the receiving end of bullying/harassment/discrimination/whatever title you want to use for this. In school, since about the sixth grade, through to the present day in my current work environment.
I've been called "Fat," "cow," "ugly," "dumb ass," "worthless." I've had glue put in my hair. I've been humiliated by students, teachers, customers, and coworkers. I've had a friend get beaten up for being associated with me. I've had students spread rumors about me and my best friend. Another friend I've known forever was insulted by his own family because he came out when he was 16.
But the point of this is not to tell a sob story. The point is I've been there. And, I've gotten through. And I will continue to do so. A big reason people bully is to make themselves feel superior. And it can be for the most petty reasons, like wearing the latest big brand of shoes while you have had the same pair for three years, even though they are perfectly fine and comfortable. Some people just want to cause drama in inappropriate situations. It hurts. It's not easy. There will be days you just want to hide away and cry. But you can't let someone's petty words have power over you. And never stand by while there is physical abuse going on, either.
It helps to have a support group backing you. I have always been blessed with a wonderful family. We'd bend over backwards for each other in a heartbeat. (Most of us, anyway. But, nobody's perfect.) I've had friends that have defended me and encouraged me to go on when I was at my lowest. When I was a teen, my dream was to be an actress. So one of my friends would always tell me that someday my name will be up in lights and everyone who ever teased me would be sorry. These are friendships that not even 2500 miles of separation can diminish. Coworkers (and a boss or two) have come to my defense with a problem I've had with a customer or another coworker. Teachers who were the sole reason I could get up in the morning because they were willing to help me. (Mrs. Good, my 6th grade math teacher, I hope you see this someday. That was meant for you, especially.)
Sometimes, though, there will be situations where you can't rely on anyone else but yourself. Then, you have to defend yourself. I don't mean start a knock-down, drag-out brawl. No, that just leads to more trouble. But, don't let the person mistreating you know they get to you, if possible. And, if they do, speak out! Find a way to tell them you don't like the way you're being treated. If possible, find a way to separate yourself from the person completely. Change classes. Request a different work shift.
I had an incident at work I will share. Without naming names, of course, because I probably have coworkers reading this. Let's call this person "Miss S." She works with me. We have NEVER been on good terms. I have no idea why. I try to follow a drama-free, put up with everyone policy. Anyway, one particular day we knocked heads bad. I did something she felt was wrong and snapped at me. I said nothing. Just went about my business and tried to finish my day. She must have thought I said something under my breath and started getting on my case. I told her to back off. But, she started running her mouth (loud enough for me to hear every word) to another coworker I happen to be friends with. I. Lost. It!
Now, let me be clear. I am usually a quiet, calm, relatively patient person. But one thing about quiet people is we're like volcanoes. All the stress and emotion builds and builds until *BOOM* we snap! That was me.
So, I told Miss S. that I didn't say anything to her and to back off once more. Also, she had no right to talk about me within earshot and in front of customers. It was unprofessional and childish. She was a grown woman, not a girl in junior high. She walked away. I thought she was going to walk over and hit me. But, she stepped into a side hall and ran her mouth to someone else where I couldn't hear.
I finished my shift, ran to my car, and screamed and swore my head off for about 10 minutes before I was levelheaded enough to drive home. But, because I finally stood up to her after enduring years of grief and verbal abuse, I haven't had a problem since. We seem to have adopted an unspoken "I ignore you. You ignore me. We have no problem" type of rule. It's been over a month now.
Does that mean we'll never again have an incident? Likely not. But, now she knows I won't stand for her crap anymore.
The round about moral is words only have power if you let them. You are you. There is no other like you. Even identical twins have their differences. In your own way, you are special and beautiful. Cliche`? Maybe. But it's true.
This is for any younger readers especially. From your preteens on, it's not easy. Your body is still growing and developing in to the woman or man you will be for the rest of your life. One day you feel like a million bucks. Next you don't want to get out of bed. People will try to tell you how to look, how to dress, how to act to fit a particular mold that society has created. "Every girl wants to be like the Kardashians!" Uhm... have you seen how crazy and miserable those girls are? I wouldn't want three of their fortunes to fill their shoes. (They probably wear smaller than a 13 anyway, lol) "Every boy wants to be like... Kyle Busch?" (All names failed me except that one because the race was on today) He is a creep and he plays dirty when he doesn't get what he wants. You'll fall in love. And, unless you're one of the few fortunate souls who find The One on the first time 'round, you'll have your heart broken at least once. You'll have a choice between staying true to yourself and surrendering your values. Anyone who really loves you will accept you for who you are and what you believe. You'll lose and gain friends throughout your whole life. And only those select special few will stick by you no matter what. But it is possible to make it through.
Life isn't all tears and misery. I firmly believe that God doesn't give us more than He thinks we can handle. We may not see it that way all the time but He knows us best because He made us. And, those bad days make the good ones that much more beautiful and special and you learn to appreciate the blessings in your life.
I know complete strangers, as well as friends, read this. If I have helped in any way, I have accomplished my mission of this rambling entry. If you know someone is or suspect they're going through a problem with bullying/harassment, reach out to them. Sometimes people are too proud or embarrassed to say what's wrong. If you are the victim, speak up. There are plenty of organizations designed to help you. As well as people in your own life.
Far too many news stories have involved precious life being taken away, either through suicide or shootings/bombings/insert violent act here. But, it doesn't have to be. If we learn to accept and embrace differences, rather than destroy them our world will be so much better.
Have a great night and thanks for reading. Please leave comments on Facebook or below.
Tomorrow, "A Book I Love" for Day 3
Carey
Hi everyone!
This took a lot of thought because the topic I want to discuss today is very close to the heart for me and I really had to try and reign in my emotions in order to have a coherent entry.
I feel very strongly about bullying. Anti-bullying awareness and policies for prevention. Also, letting victims know that they don't have to put up with it. Stand up or yourself. Don't believe what people say because you know in your heart that what they say isn't true.
Let's face it. People are brutal. Kids and adults alike. In my experience, I've both witnessed and been on the receiving end of bullying/harassment/discrimination/whatever title you want to use for this. In school, since about the sixth grade, through to the present day in my current work environment.
I've been called "Fat," "cow," "ugly," "dumb ass," "worthless." I've had glue put in my hair. I've been humiliated by students, teachers, customers, and coworkers. I've had a friend get beaten up for being associated with me. I've had students spread rumors about me and my best friend. Another friend I've known forever was insulted by his own family because he came out when he was 16.
But the point of this is not to tell a sob story. The point is I've been there. And, I've gotten through. And I will continue to do so. A big reason people bully is to make themselves feel superior. And it can be for the most petty reasons, like wearing the latest big brand of shoes while you have had the same pair for three years, even though they are perfectly fine and comfortable. Some people just want to cause drama in inappropriate situations. It hurts. It's not easy. There will be days you just want to hide away and cry. But you can't let someone's petty words have power over you. And never stand by while there is physical abuse going on, either.
It helps to have a support group backing you. I have always been blessed with a wonderful family. We'd bend over backwards for each other in a heartbeat. (Most of us, anyway. But, nobody's perfect.) I've had friends that have defended me and encouraged me to go on when I was at my lowest. When I was a teen, my dream was to be an actress. So one of my friends would always tell me that someday my name will be up in lights and everyone who ever teased me would be sorry. These are friendships that not even 2500 miles of separation can diminish. Coworkers (and a boss or two) have come to my defense with a problem I've had with a customer or another coworker. Teachers who were the sole reason I could get up in the morning because they were willing to help me. (Mrs. Good, my 6th grade math teacher, I hope you see this someday. That was meant for you, especially.)
Sometimes, though, there will be situations where you can't rely on anyone else but yourself. Then, you have to defend yourself. I don't mean start a knock-down, drag-out brawl. No, that just leads to more trouble. But, don't let the person mistreating you know they get to you, if possible. And, if they do, speak out! Find a way to tell them you don't like the way you're being treated. If possible, find a way to separate yourself from the person completely. Change classes. Request a different work shift.
I had an incident at work I will share. Without naming names, of course, because I probably have coworkers reading this. Let's call this person "Miss S." She works with me. We have NEVER been on good terms. I have no idea why. I try to follow a drama-free, put up with everyone policy. Anyway, one particular day we knocked heads bad. I did something she felt was wrong and snapped at me. I said nothing. Just went about my business and tried to finish my day. She must have thought I said something under my breath and started getting on my case. I told her to back off. But, she started running her mouth (loud enough for me to hear every word) to another coworker I happen to be friends with. I. Lost. It!
Now, let me be clear. I am usually a quiet, calm, relatively patient person. But one thing about quiet people is we're like volcanoes. All the stress and emotion builds and builds until *BOOM* we snap! That was me.
So, I told Miss S. that I didn't say anything to her and to back off once more. Also, she had no right to talk about me within earshot and in front of customers. It was unprofessional and childish. She was a grown woman, not a girl in junior high. She walked away. I thought she was going to walk over and hit me. But, she stepped into a side hall and ran her mouth to someone else where I couldn't hear.
I finished my shift, ran to my car, and screamed and swore my head off for about 10 minutes before I was levelheaded enough to drive home. But, because I finally stood up to her after enduring years of grief and verbal abuse, I haven't had a problem since. We seem to have adopted an unspoken "I ignore you. You ignore me. We have no problem" type of rule. It's been over a month now.
Does that mean we'll never again have an incident? Likely not. But, now she knows I won't stand for her crap anymore.
The round about moral is words only have power if you let them. You are you. There is no other like you. Even identical twins have their differences. In your own way, you are special and beautiful. Cliche`? Maybe. But it's true.
This is for any younger readers especially. From your preteens on, it's not easy. Your body is still growing and developing in to the woman or man you will be for the rest of your life. One day you feel like a million bucks. Next you don't want to get out of bed. People will try to tell you how to look, how to dress, how to act to fit a particular mold that society has created. "Every girl wants to be like the Kardashians!" Uhm... have you seen how crazy and miserable those girls are? I wouldn't want three of their fortunes to fill their shoes. (They probably wear smaller than a 13 anyway, lol) "Every boy wants to be like... Kyle Busch?" (All names failed me except that one because the race was on today) He is a creep and he plays dirty when he doesn't get what he wants. You'll fall in love. And, unless you're one of the few fortunate souls who find The One on the first time 'round, you'll have your heart broken at least once. You'll have a choice between staying true to yourself and surrendering your values. Anyone who really loves you will accept you for who you are and what you believe. You'll lose and gain friends throughout your whole life. And only those select special few will stick by you no matter what. But it is possible to make it through.
Life isn't all tears and misery. I firmly believe that God doesn't give us more than He thinks we can handle. We may not see it that way all the time but He knows us best because He made us. And, those bad days make the good ones that much more beautiful and special and you learn to appreciate the blessings in your life.
I know complete strangers, as well as friends, read this. If I have helped in any way, I have accomplished my mission of this rambling entry. If you know someone is or suspect they're going through a problem with bullying/harassment, reach out to them. Sometimes people are too proud or embarrassed to say what's wrong. If you are the victim, speak up. There are plenty of organizations designed to help you. As well as people in your own life.
Far too many news stories have involved precious life being taken away, either through suicide or shootings/bombings/insert violent act here. But, it doesn't have to be. If we learn to accept and embrace differences, rather than destroy them our world will be so much better.
Have a great night and thanks for reading. Please leave comments on Facebook or below.
Tomorrow, "A Book I Love" for Day 3
Carey
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