October is National Bullying Awareness Month

This is National Bullying Awareness month founded in 2005.  Go to Pacer.org/bullying to read all about it.  This weekend many rallies will be held throughout the nation to help prevent and dispell the ignorance of it. Disney will hold an event at the Mall of America on 10/28.  Be a part of the solution not the cause.

Most of us have been victims to bullying.  My sister got more than her share of it as a teen.  With unruly black hair and bold front teeth.  Dozens of times mean guys and even gals called her witch or worse.  With a deeply deflated heart she struggled to believe in herself.  I, the younger sister, hated them for it. 

Millions carry deep scars of hurt and humiliation.  Most abusers have nothing more to gain than to make themselves look and feel better.  Rise above what the others are doing and be a force for not only good, but great. 

Use positive words such as, friend, first-rate, 'I like how you', 'How do you do that?' and so forth.  Smile, wink, wave, pat, nod or high-five to show you care.  How hard is it to be kind?  Courage, my friend courage.

Just like the news woman in Wisconsin who received an email from a bully saying, "...what kind of an example are you being overweight and such?"  She responded with, '...you don't know me or what I am like.  Don't set your standard on me in that manner...'  She stood up and said, let's be a little more kind and take note of what we are saying. 

Some of the most beautiful women and men in the world are not even close, to the role model I want my children and grand children to look to.  Instead a friendly, kind person will make a better impact.  Try it and see how much better you feel.  Be braver than a bully.

Football Fans, Fun and Fights

Football season is in full swing. TV is full of the NFL's pre-game, post-game and problem games. Wewill never hear the end of some games.

  The Sports section of the newspaper is getting plumper than a players helmut with comments.  Teams, training for months are strutting their stuff.  Schools have set aside parking spots for tailgate parties.   We don't even want to mention fantasy football. 

Are we ready for this?   Years ago we had our college kids buy student season passes and slipped in under the radar to their sections.  It worked for awhile until we got tired of standing during the entire game, because that is what students do.  Stand, cheer, talk to friends etc. etc. 

Being there is so much more fun that watching it on TV, although you do get to see the replays and close-ups.  Best of luck to all the teams and players.