, ,

Building Resilience to Combat Bullying: My Journey and Tips

Have you ever been bullied? Or been a bully?

Bullying – a word that can send shivers down the spine of anyone who’s experienced it. Or who has seen the devastation bullying can cause.

I know this feeling all too well. Years ago, I shared my story, including the days when I was called beaver and boy and felt like the whole world had joined the “I Hate Summer Club” with my class. 

But here’s the twist.

Those painful experiences didn’t break me; they helped to mold me into who I am today. This National Bullying Prevention Month, I want to share how I turned the tables on bullying and offer some valuable tips for building resilience.

Recently, the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute welcomed me to present on resilient leadership in Newark at their annual leadership camp. I love how the LMTI faces tough topics head on and allowed me to do the same while having fun with these amazing students.

Then I headed back to Tennessee and spoke to students at Simon Youth Academy in Nashville. Our youth often deal with many challenges they just don’t know how to handle, and in many cases, they don’t have the resilience skills or mindset to overcome those challenges. I am grateful for my own challenging experiences as a youth that give me the heart, wisdom, and passion as I demonstrate not only overcoming obstacles but also winning with whatever cards you’re dealt.

Summer Owens with Simon Youth Academy students

From Victim to Victor 

In my memoir, written over a decade ago, I peeled back the layers of my past, exposing the times when I was bullied. That “I Hate Summer Club” might have seemed like a nightmare, but it became a cornerstone of something incredible: S.O. What! This platform of amazing speaking opportunities and a powerful curriculum implemented with data proving it impacts bullying (and more) in schools and youth programs throughout the country, was born out of the very adversity that once haunted me.

Bullying Resilience Tips 

So, what can you do or advise someone else to do when faced with bullying? Here are some actionable steps for dealing with bullying:

  • Seek Support: You’re not alone; reach out to friends, family, or a trusted adult for guidance and support.
  • Develop Resilience: Cultivate the ability to bounce back from adversity. Focus on building self-confidence, assertiveness, and a strong self-identity.
  • Stand Up Calmly: If faced with bullying, assertively and confidently stand up for yourself while maintaining your composure.
  • Seek Professional Help: Consider consulting professionals like counselors or therapists for valuable coping strategies and emotional support.

A Path to Resilience 

As an expert speaker and resilience advocate, I’m here to empower you with the tools and mindset needed to combat bullying and build resilience. My mission is to help you transform your experiences into strengths, just as I did. This National Bullying Prevention Month, remember, you have the power to rise above bullying and help others emerge stronger.

Want to join the thousands of youth and youth programs using the S.O. What! Literacy, Life Skills, and Character Education Curriculum to combat bullying and build more resilient students? Looking for a unique professional development presentation for educators? 

Contact me, and let’s have some fun while addressing some important challenges!

 

/by