this will be an ongoing discussion of abuse…..all different kinds. It is hidden behind many doors, and pierces families all over the world.  It may come from a family member, a work associate, a total stranger, a neighbor, a boss, from the ones you love the most, and from the ones you hate the most.

It is an experience that may or may not last a lifetime, even tho you experienced it for just a few seconds.  It can drag you down, or  re-birth you into a new life of freedom.  All of these statements are of different strengths…..because all of us have different strengths.  And, even more, our strengths and weaknesses, become dominant and then wane, according to our age, our circumstances, our dreams, our failures, our money, our kids, our loves, and our friends.

Abuse doesn’t necessarily have to be being hit, or yelled at.  If you are just emerging in life, regardless of years, being chosen last to play a game, or be on a committee,  can hurt.  It may last for day, or for years and may be hidden in your memories until someone relive their time of feeling like they ‘were not good enough’.    

What a shame we are so ‘open’ to these kinds of situations…..what a bigger shame we are not ‘open’ to being a ‘part’ of making this all happen. I know it is a two-way street, and I will try to talk about both sides when I write. In essence, we need to understand that not all of us are the same in the way we handle good news and bad news, of being chosen last.  Some will rise to the occasion….knowing they will ‘make the difference’ in the game, and because of  being on the team, it will be ‘better’, ‘stronger’, and therefore more  formidable.  No one denies that could be the case.  Some will  hold the ‘chip’ of being chosen last and carry it proudly with all the other ‘chips’ they collect. They might be the bully or the angry quiet one, who just are lost as how to handle the situation.  Some, on the other hand, will quietly, with  grain of salt, and with few comments, take their place among the players and live in dread of their inability to be or help the team surge to victory. 

It is those sweet people I think of…..It is an overlooked and underestimated value ………it is ‘THE STRENGTH TO CARRY ON’. Oh, we all have it from time to time, but when abuse is pounding on your soul, it is the INNER STRENGTH that helps you to live, even to exist, until you can find your peaceful place.

So look around you……strangers, friends, family, neighbors, kittens, puppies, and your parents.  How do they take always being last…..how do you take always been last.  Pet your kittens and puppies. Smile at your neighbors, your friends, and total strangers, and be aware that we all have ‘boo-boos’. Some heal in a day, some never.   Don’t be the one who cause the pain, be the one who helps heal the pain.  You will rejoice and so will they.

later