I despise humans. They’re honestly the worst possible species to ever exist. In no other civilization will you ever see such toxicity, than that which you will observe in our species. Egotistical beings, putting other people down, for the betterment of their own self esteem. No matter what goes on behind the other side of the wall, or any other stress people endure, it is just unacceptable to willingly inflict pain on innocent souls in any way! Do people ever even stop to think about the toll their actions might take on someone? A person’s entire character, outlook on life, and level of confidence, is directly influenced by others' toxic tendencies. That is not to say that there aren't other afflictions in the world that cause strife in an ideal life. But what can be prevented, certainly should be.

I will not sugarcoat my words, as this is an issue that sits deeply within me. But to anyone, and everyone, I want to say:

Just stop.

And think, before you let a single word come out of your mouth. Think, before you lay even a finger on anyone with the wrong intent. Your words, and actions, although seemingly arbitrary, have explicit consequences. One wrong move can change somebody's life forever.

We are all born with a clean slate, and amazing potentials. We can aspire to be anything we want to be, and in our childhoods, we dream big! "The sky’s the limit." You hear all these free-spirited kids, so full of life, dreaming to be astronauts, firefighters, teachers, and doctors; inspired by themselves and their environments.

And then the reality of people hits them straight in the heart when they enter school. School is supposed to be a place where we can learn both etiquette, academics, social skills, and everything you can possibly think of. The fact that ignorant, idiotic, uncivilized people take away from the beauty of life, learning new things, following your dreams, and speaking up for what you believe in, is just horrible.

Watching my brother slowly start to question his own confidence, actually killed me on the inside. My heart felt as if it was about to break into a million pieces. This 11-year old child was questioning whether he should speak up about being wronged. His teacher makes fun of him for even speaking up. His bus driver ignores the kids taunting him in the back. His friends turn on him in the blink of an eye. What kind of world do we live in where teachers think it’s a nuisance to nurture a child’s confidence? Where grown adults turn their backs on the young futures that must be nurtured? This is absolutely not how it’s supposed to be.

I watched my friend shift uncomfortably, as she reluctantly told my brother the story of the time a boy stuck a ruler in her pants, among other horrific experiences in her past of bullying. Her friends back then had completely abandoned her, and she was left speechlessly alone for years. When my brother angrily questioned her lack of response, she mentioned how she was unable to speak in that situation. After years of fighting the impulse to harm herself, and a life of self-isolation, she was diagnosed with depression: an ailment with a body that fights to survive, with a mind that tries to die. A truly crippling disorder, that eats away at your very existence, essentially turning you against yourself.

If people were to just not follow their every impulse, simply think about the effects of their actions, it would save many people from going down the hard path of rediscovering who they aspire to be. It would save some lost smiles and broken hearts. Some mistakes can be avoided.

Even if you aren't the bully, if you see someone feeling low or having a rough time in life, don't just stand there. Check in on them, even if you don't know them. I know that by speaking on an issue, it won't automatically disappear. But what it can do, is alleviate some of the issues.

So spread love and kindness wherever you can.

Everyone has a story. Thanks for listening to mine.