Before I started writing for The Odyssey, I was scared of the possible criticism and negative feedback. I've learned not everyone is going to like or agree with what I write, and that's fine. I can handle that. To be honest, I don't agree with every single thing my fellow Odyssey writers write. Even though I don't always agree, I know that doesn't make them any less of a person. That's what makes us all unique. We all have different stories to tell, different opinions and different life experiences. What I can't handle is people that don't know me judging my character based off what I write just because they may not agree. You may not know me, and I may not know you, but your words still hurt. I'm sure if you really knew me you wouldn't say those things.
If you really knew me, you'd know I am a real person with real feelings.
If you really knew me, you'd know I'm not just a robot behind a key board.
If you really knew me, you'd know I have a life outside of writing.
If you really knew me, you'd know I have a big heart.
If you really knew me, you'd know I have a family that adores me.
If you really knew me, you'd know being a sister is one of my favorite things in the world.
If you really knew me, you'd know I have friends that love me.
If you really knew me, you'd know I'm not perfect but I try my best.
If you really knew me, you'd know I'm struggling with depression and anxiety.
If you really knew me, you'd know I'm passionate about cheerleading.
If you really knew me, you'd know my eyes light up when I'm talking about someone or something I genuinely care about.
If you really knew me, you'd know I have a boyfriend that cares about me.
If you really knew me, you'd know how hard I am on myself.
If you really knew me, you'd know I've been struggling with chronic mono for awhile now.
If you really knew me, you'd know that sometimes I'm not as strong as I seem.
If you really knew me, you'd know that there are days I put on a brave face when all I want to do is stay in bed and not face the world.
If you really knew me, you'd know how much my relationship with God means to me.
If you really knew me, you'd know that I am kind.
If you really knew me, you'd know how much I love my dog.
If you really knew me, you'd know that my mom is my best friend.
If you really knew me, you'd know I've been through a lot but I keep going every single day.
If you really knew me, you'd know I love to travel.
If you really knew me, you'd know I want to inspire and help other people.
If you really knew me, you'd know that I act tough but in reality I'm sensitive and cruel words hurt.
If you really knew me... you wouldn't say harsh things behind a keyboard.
You wouldn't want someone saying mean things to your friend, your sister, your daughter, your aunt or your niece. Well, I am all of those things to someone else. It doesn't matter if you know someone or not, harsh, rude, cruel, mean or hurtful things still hurt. Whether you say it over Facebook, Twitter, text messaging, to their face or anyone other way, it still hurts. I believe I have tough skin but other people may not be as strong or secure and by saying mean things you could do some real damage. The mean words may hurt but I will not let the words of someone that does not know me define who I am. You can dislike what I have to say all day long but what you can't do is judge my character before you really know me. If you really knew me, you wouldn't say those things.
*For more help or information visit www.stopbullying.gov
