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Prepped and Polished has been featured on:
In this video, Alexis tells three tips to save yourself from getting bullied without necessarily getting into a physical altercation.
So, in sixth grade, I was walking to my science class when all of a sudden, I was ambushed by a bunch of eighth graders. This one towering eighth grader just punches me right in the gut and then walks away. I’m in pain, and I’m clutching my stomach; I walk to the science class, and luckily, I didn’t see that kid, much you know, that year.
I’m not going to lie to you. That fear, that memory, doesn’t go away. And here I am decades later, talking about it, right? And that’s bullying.
Bullying stays with you. I know a lot of people have been bullied. I know a lot of people who are getting bullied now, both children and adults getting bullied. There are going to be people bullying and getting bullied tomorrow, and as an adult, I’m not going to lie that bullying doesn’t go away.
Honestly, life is a proverbial bully. You have to figure out what you’re going to do about it without getting arrested or getting into a fight. Just what I highly recommend. You have to focus on the things you can control.
1. Get physically stronger
The first thing you want to do is you want to get stronger physically. Consider joining martial arts: it instills discipline, gives you confidence, and strengthens you. I’m not saying the bullies are going to disappear if you become a martial artist, but they might think twice about messing with you.
2. Get mentally stronger
Another thing you want to do is get mentally stronger. I suggest that you read each day; that’s what I do, or at least I try. Reading helps you stay focused; it helps you stay in the moment more. It’ll help you reason with bullies and could help you tremendously.
3. Get socially stronger
Another thing is you want to get socially stronger. Join a band, join a club, join a sport. You have to find a Band of Brothers, a band of sisters, like-minded people who will inspire you and encourage you to be your best, and who knows, they might defend you from bullies who come your way. I’ll tell you this: bullies like it when you isolate yourself. One way to counter from isolating yourself? Join a group and be more socially active. Those are things that you can control.
I’m not making this video to tell you that bullying is going to completely disappear. There’s no magic pill you can take. But if you work on yourself mentally, physically, and socially, life will be more tolerable.
What was your biggest takeaway from this vlog about Getting Bullied? Do you have any questions for Alexis Avila?
Post your tips/comments below.