More than ever…people are becoming dis-connected from each other. Some people have forgotten the golden rule which is, “do unto others as you would have them do to unto you!”

Try to think in terms of two kinds of power…“power for and power over”. When someone uses bully behaviour, they look for a target or victim to have power OVER…to make themselves feel better. Many people who “bully” others are actually hurting inside. It’s as if they think that being in control will ease their pain.

Power FOR is when we “come to the aid” of a victim. People who “empower others” are called PEACEMAKERS. When you help someone keep their power and not “give it away” to a bully….you become a peacemaker. (Sometimes it’s necessary to find an adult or a teacher or another person to help.) Peacemakers will change the world!!

There is one other thing we can do…We need to build our own bully proof vest by becoming self confident and resistant to people who bully. There are many people who were bullied in school, but by focusing on their talent or unique ability it helped them become stronger. We ALL have a talent or skill to develop. It may take a while to find our special skill but the more we develop it, the more self confident we become! We may never put a stop to bullying BUT….we can change the way it affects us!!

( Jeff McCann is a singer/songwriter, artist, tai chi instructor and workshop leader who started the “Bully Proof Vest” website to help change the bully problem that exists in our world. To contact us about presenting a workshop to your school or group email us at: jeff@bullyproofvest.com)

photo by: Brandi Bedson