"A Post (or 20) Can't Change Anything." (or can it)? and National Bullying Prevention

My staff of proofreaders was hard at work this past week. (That would be our 7th grader, 4th grader and our 2nd grader). And no, they don't normally read all the way to the end of my posts (sometimes not even to the third sentence), but we usually discuss the gist of what I'm writing, and last week was no exception. I found our dialogue to be quite fascinating. Most of all, when I shared with them the picture I posted last week of the young boy's response when asked who his friends were, I watched their eyes change as they read his answer: 'No-one.' The conversation that followed was long (surprise!) and sweet (and for once, free of footballs, basketballs, and technology).

Which brings me to the title of this week's post. Recently a celebrity chided the public to stop tweeting, stop posting on social media, and start taking action instead.

I stopped in my tracks. (Well, actually I didn't, as I was on the treadmill, although I guess that would have been a great excuse to get off). But her words challenged me. And each time I write this weekly blog, I think long and hard (probably way too long and a little bit too hard) about the words that are written here.

Maybe the celebrity was right. One post, simply, won't change a darn thing. So why am I doing this? Why bother? (Many have asked).

Last week I spoke with a curriculum designer of the Ophelia Project, Leigh Anne Kraemer-Naser of the Curriculum Solution Center . While The Ophelia Project is no longer formally operational, its 'roots' still exist, as well as the positive changes the movement created (read about it - it's AWESOME!). Leigh Anne reminded me, empathy is the greatest skill our children (and we) possess when it comes to helping those who have been hurt, excluded, need a friend, and yes, even bullied (as much as I dislike that word). Saying, "I'm sorry you went through that," or, "I'm sorry you're feeling this way," is one of the most powerful skills our children possess. It's called empathy. Yet, in Dr. Michele Borba's book, Unselfie , research indicates teens today are 40 percent less empathetic than they were thirty years ago. This lack of empathy goes hand-in-hand with the self-absorption epidemic which Borba calls the Selfie Syndrome.

And, as I was talking with my proofreading staff of three, I realized the ultimate power of a post. (Sorry, celebrity person ... but I disagree with you)! Caught in the busyness of life, I reflected on all the opportunities I had missed recently to include, and was, frankly, ashamed of myself and the many times I had failed - and sometimes even chosen errands, or schedules, or getting things 'done' over reaching out to others.

My son has a friend whose family has relocated to GA and, while we have had his good friend here to play, I realized his mom needs a friend as much as her boys do. (Don't we all)? I am guilty of not reaching out to include. Of not asking, "How are you doing today and would you like to come over for a cup of coffee?"

So ... can a post change anything? I guess it's up to you. And me. These posts change me a little bit every time I write. And I guess that's the point.

Changing one person. And maybe ... hopefully ... one or two or three little proofreaders. And maybe more.

Thanks for reading.

Lauri

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