When we bully ourselves, it shows in how we carry ourselves. People know.
Then, we become targets for other bullies.
We let ourselves get stepped on. Why wouldn’t we? If we mistreat ourselves, it permits others to do the same.
We let the group of mothers in the corner have a big laugh at our expense.
And then our kids will let the group of “cool” kids in the corner have a big laugh at their expense.
Kids emulate their parents.
We are all bullies.
We’re all fallible. We all fall. There’s no one better or worse. Who creates that scale? Answer: we do. So how we feel about ourselves is paramount.
We have mixed feelings towards ourselves—because we’re human. But we choose what we want to show our children. We choose what we want to show others. We choose what we want to say to ourselves. We choose our own narratives.
Choose to be kind to everyone—yourself included.
Choose to praise those deserving—yourself included.
We try to equip our kids with self-confidence, so they aren’t prey to bullies—
Let’s try to do the same for ourselves.
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This post originally appeared on Facebook, published with permission. Check out Danielle’s book Living FULL: Winning My Battle with Eating Disorder, available on Amazon.
