Did you ever play telephone as a kid?

One person would say something like, "I want pizza." By the time it got back to the person who initially said something, the sentence would be, "I have blue monkeys." As it moved from mouth to mouth, the story changed not ever asking the source what happened. They never heard anything or saw anything for themselves. They believed what was passed along. As we grow up, telephone becomes gossip, leading to assumptions and accusations.

I think everyone can raise their hand to "who has ever said or done something they didn't really mean but were upset, tired, confused, etc. at the time the event happened"?

"We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future." — Steve Maraboli, "Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience"

Sometimes our feelings and emotions get the best of us, especially if you've been holding them in for so long. We often seek comfort in those around us, the ones who say we can trust them and want to help give us advice and understand. What I don't understand is why people feel the need to share those emotions and feelings you confided in them about, but it happens, even if they were eager to help, relate, and give advice on.

"If people refuse to look at you in a new light and they can only see you for what you were, only see you for the mistakes you've made, if they don't realize that you are not your mistakes, then they have to go." - Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

"If someone isn't what others want them to be, the others become angry. Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own." ― Paulo Coelho, "The Alchemist"

We all make mistakes, and that doesn't give people the right to attack and/or bully you over them especially when they didn't hear it or see it themselves. I have never understood the thrill some people seek or continuously hurting others or making them feel terrible about themselves. There is no gain from being mean to others for no reason other than gossip they are holding to be the truth.

The stress and anxiety of bullying and attacking someone can be very severe. You have to remember the bullies and attackers are not in charge of you and can not tell you what to do or control you. Everyone is allowed to think, understand, and feel in their own way. It is okay to be your own person and express your feelings.

"People can tell you to keep your mouth shut, but that doesn't stop you from having your own opinion." — Anne Frank, "The Diary of a Young Girl"

"It's okay to disagree with the thoughts or opinions expressed by other people. That doesn't give you the right to deny any sense they might make. Nor does it give you a right to accuse someone of poorly expressing their beliefs just because you don't like what they are saying. — Ashley Lorenzana

You have to be able to forgive yourself for past mistakes and forgive others as well. Don't continue to beat yourself up or let others do the same. Let yourself be free and at peace. Rid yourself of negativity and the people that contribute to it in your life. Allow yourself to be happy and surround yourself with positive and uplifting people.

So, I leave you with this:

"How would your life be different if…You stopped allowing other people to dilute or poison your day with their words or opinions? Let today be the day…You stand strong in the truth of your beauty and journey through your day without attachment to the validation of others" ― Steve Maraboli, "Life, the Truth, and Being Free"