Confidence

Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?

I can’t think of a specific example but there were times when I was a kid and I did not step in when another student was being teased or bullied. I certainly was not the one who teased but no action is part of the problem.

This was a time before it was known as bullying. It was teasing, “kids will be kids”. Doesn’t make it right but that was the time. Thought I knew better. Part of it was a lack of confidence and part (really they go together) was being happy that I wasn’t the victim.

I have been thinking a lot about being mean, gossipy or catty. It stems from lack of confidence. If I say something mean about someone else then that puts them down so I must be better, right? Obviously it’s wrong but it’s an instinct to find flaws rather than build others up.

One year my New Year’s resolution was to be nice and not have bad thoughts. It lasted until I got on the train January 2nd and people were pushing and shoving. I tried.

I’m hoping that as I get older and care less about what people think I’ll be bolder and stick up for others. I’m sorry to my former classmates who endured the trauma.