When I ponder the many directions I could take this article, I feel compelled to talk about our upcoming “Pink Day”, on February 24. Pink Day is the international day against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, and transmisogyny across the world. This is a topic that has been speaking to me loud and clear for the last number of months.
I have many poems that would fit well here, one is a new one, hot off the press but yet to be fully processed. I have also created a YouTube video show called “Tea with Carlie” and my first topic is called “Self-love: A Radical Treatment for the Bullying Epidemic”.
Click here for the link.
In a nutshell, I know that I am not alone in joining with the many who wish to see an end to bullying behaviours. We think of this in terms of kids in school, but truly it is everywhere, leaving nobody exempt. My inner intuitive wisdom has been shaping my thoughts and feelings on this theme for a few years now and it tells me that we must begin to shift our focus from what we don’t want to what we do want. (I have a great poem about this idea too!). We create where we put our energy and as we continue to focus on “anti-bullying” we fuel and grow the energy around bullying. What if we switched our focus and intention towards that of pro-compassion, pro-healing, or pro-self-love? I wonder what might happen if we began to ponder the roots of this matter rather than the fruits.
We live in a world that has not done a good job of teaching the most vital things like self-love, self-compassion, self-nurture, and self-value. It is time to be reminded of these and consider how we can each connect with them in our lives. This is a “one person at a time” kind of approach but I believe that it is powerful…and essentially the only way that we will see change.
Each one of us can create a new way by learning to better love, nurture, be present with, and value ourselves. As we take up this wonderful, yet challenging journey, we become leaders and ushers of a new world where we realize that all people are valuable, no matter what, and we are all connected. As we hurt another, we ultimately hurt ourselves. The beautiful thing is that as we love ourselves unconditionally, we can then extend this kind of love to others. Can you imagine a world like this? I can! It is coming and we are a vital part of creating it! How exciting!
What If
What if the ones you are helping are supposed to be helping you?
What if the ones you are teaching must teach you too?
What if the ones to whom you preach are trying to reach you?
What if the ones you imprison could set you free?
What if the ones you don’t want to look at in you themselves see?
What if the ones you feel sorry for feel sorry for you more?
What if the ones who seem broken are closer to full?
What if the ones who seem the strangest are not indeed so dull?
What if the needy needed you to pay attention?
What if the ones who are unwell are breaking the spell?
What if the weakest are strong and the “weirdos” belong?
What if they’re here to remind you of your song?
What if the ones you can’t stand stand to hand you the gold?
What if all we’ve been told is not quite right?
What if it wasn’t as it first seemed?
What if you stopped to ponder these?
Where would you be, but down on your knees?
Please click here view and share my “Beauty Redefined” video!
See all articles by Carlie Kilduff