Success Thought of the Day – 11/15/21

I was bullied regularly during most of my elementary school years.  I was large for my age, lacked confidence, wore thick glasses, sang in the school choir, played in the band, and was a crossing safety.  You get the picture; I didn’t hang with the cool crowd.  

As the years passed, I learned to deal with my lack of confidence and what I believed was growing depression.  The most significant learning was understanding that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13).  The second key learning was accepting help.  After years of hurdling the suggestion and burying my problems underneath my work, I got counseling.  Some decades later, I can now say that counseling was transformative. 

This past weekend I read a story about “Izzy,” a 10-year girl in Utah who committed suicide after being bullied.  That, combined with the increased suicides over the past 18 months, led me to share this message with this community.  From the outside view, you never know what a person is dealing with and processing on the inside.

As a friend, co-worker, and leader, never forget that you are a part of a community.  To help others in the community, you don’t need to be a superhero; sometimes, simply asking someone, “how are you doing?” and lending an ear can make a big difference.

Begin this week with caring – for yourself and others.

P.S. – Should you or someone you know need it.

To get help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). There is also a crisis text line. For crisis support in Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454.