October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Each year during this month, I generally try to write/post one story per week to hopefully help parents, siblings, other relatives and friends understand this epidemic problem, and to give those being bullied some hope for their future. For this first posting, and especially for those who may have missed it before, I want to reshare a posting from 2 years ago. Her video still moves me every time I view it. And my friend Samantha continues to lead a productive life and remains able to limit her down periods while enjoying and prolonging the ups. Remember - suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. If you suspect someone is contemplating suicide, please do not delay. Seek help FOR them immediately, and address any bullying with the proper authorities. Meet Samantha Michele. I first met Samantha during my work with Ordo Inc/J4L (Just for Laughs). On the outside, Samantha looked like your typical 14 year old at the time, but inside, she was struggling with multiple issues, much of it stemming from being bullied - depression, thoughts of suicide, self esteem, and more. I and many others found her to be charming, witty, intelligent, beautiful on the inside AND outside, and a young lady with a very bright future ahead of her - none of which she seemed to see for herself. But over the course of the last 12 months, Samantha has had an amazing turnaround. In her own words, she decided to focus on the serious things that matter, and take charge of her future. In viewing this new perspective, she has completely changed her outlook on life, and is the happiest she has ever been. She still struggles on occasion, but she IS beating her problems, one by one. My message to all of the teens out there - whether rooted in bullying or not, you CAN beat all of the issues you face. If Samantha can do it, you can too. I am honored to call Samantha my friend, and MY life is enriched simply by knowing her. Thank you, Samantha, for allowing me to share your video and your story.
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 23:02:44 +0000