Bullying has no place in the schoolyard and it certainly has no place in the world of grown-ups.
I am sick to death of social pressures that metaphorically hold us up against a brick wall and bully us into submission until we all look the same.
It is never OK to hurt someone else and it is never OK to let someone else hurt you.
What would the world look like if we stopped letting peer pressure define who we are?
Who would we find ourselves to be if we could step back for a moment and consider who we are, what we like, what we believe, what our hopes and dreams are away from the pressures of society telling us what we should aspire to be, what we should like this season, what we should believe, what we should hope for our future and dream for our lives?
We are each individual. We were not made with a cookie cutter, but by a Divine Artist who gave each of us a unique design.
Master of your words
Words are powerful. The tongue is a double-edged sword that can build people up or tear people down.
Decipher the truthful words from the untruthful words said out of jealousy and hatred or hurt.
What is done is done, what is said is said. You cannot change the actions of others but you can decide how you respond to them.
Stand in confidence and think for yourself. You know what your favourite colour is, you don't need someone else to tell you what your favourite colour should be this season.
Steward your words and your actions so that they are truthful and honest. Build people up; don't tear people down like they may have done to you. Don't be a doormat, but don't be a bully.
You are the only one who gets to be you. You are the only one who knows how to be you.
Just like the founder of a company understands the DNA of a company more than anyone else, the Creator of us understands us more precisely than anyone else, including ourselves. If we need defining, coaching, inspiring and motivating, it would be fitting for it to be by this Creator and Him alone.
Next time you feel held up against a brick wall, pressured by society to be a certain version of yourself, stop.
Take a moment to shake off the unhelpful words that have latched on and are holding you down.
Think for yourself.
Ask the one who knows you better than you know yourself to define you, coach you, inspire you and motivate you to be the you that you were created to be.
'You're lucky enough to be different, never change' ― Taylor Swift
Charlotte Goiris is an upcoming Aussie actress and model. She is passionate about social justice and story telling. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to receive regular updates @charlottegoiris
Charley Goiris' previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/charley-goiris.html