We were instructed as children how to take a lick or two and to become tough skinned individuals. Words meant nothing, hence the saying; “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will NEVER hurt me.” First item on the list of how to become tough skinned. I’m sure you recall being bullied or teased as a child. If you don’t, you probably were the neighborhood bully! Here’s the scoop, we couldn’t tell our parents we had a bully. We had to fight them ourselves. Fight or Flight, right? Still #1 on my list as an adult, know how to deal with it/them!
As children we played all kinds of games and at the end, you’ll either be a winner or a loser. That part is inevitable. The reality of this, is you’ll win some and lose a few more. Some of which, you may find yourself in tears over. Things such as; championship games or your very 1st game playing varsity volleyball. Yeah, that was me and it still stings! I learned from losing and made adjustments to my next game. Plus, my coaches wouldn’t allow me to screw up again!
As adults, good sportsmanship is handled differently because the slightly changed turf. Instead of tracks, courts, or fields, we have school, work, and relationships. I still feel that running a mile would be easier than the things I face daily. I’d give anything to go back 15 years ago with the things I know now. But, I wouldn’t have learned anything and my scars wouldn’t exist due to “wrong decisions.” Self-inflicted wounds are sometimes the worst, but it was needed. The older you get, you’ll appreciate those dumb decisions or learn to laugh at them at least. Even if you don’t recognize what, trust me it did something underneath.
So come on with your “NO” and “MAYBE THIS ISN’T WHAT YOU SHOULD DO RIGHT NOW” replies. I was built for it and then some. I’m capable of hearing all of your replies, I don’t have to respond! Some encounters will NEVER deserve a response!
Me and my tough skin are here for the ride. And I promise you, I’m going to make the best of this here thing called life. I’ve mastered taking a lick or two, it’s no big for me right now. I am pretty sure my picture is in the dictionary, right next to the word; “high-pain tolerance.” There I am smiling with torn scars with uneven stitch work left from my so-called friends.
Don’t let the negative folk be a bully on your block. Or better yet, let them, but you better go out there and fight them off. Your skin can take more bruising, it is a beautiful thing. Trust me, there’s nothing wrong with being the way you are. Nor, should you ever regret your past. It made YOU and YOU are beautiful, tough skinned and all!