Chapter 1: My Journey Through Bullying

Throughout my childhood, I experienced a lot of change due to frequent relocations, attending seven different schools from elementary through high school. As the new kid, I often felt isolated and unwelcomed, primarily because I wasn't part of the established friend groups and because I stood out in various ways.

Moving frequently can significantly impact one’s mental health and perspective on life. This was certainly true for me; I dreaded the constant need to adapt and make new friends after each move. I was becoming comfortable with my life, only to have to start anew repeatedly.

In the midst of this upheaval, I faced numerous challenges both at school and at home. A pivotal moment for me was discovering the song “Tru” by Lloyd, which helped me on my journey to self-acceptance.

Yes, it's just a song, but let me elaborate!

Released in 2016, during my freshman year, I connected deeply with its lyrics. Their purity resonated with me, and I found myself moved to tears by the sentiment. The song's powerful message struck a chord, impacting me in ways I never anticipated.

The opening lines resonate with my experiences: “I lost it all, my friends, my loved ones, But in life, there’s always a chance to grow, From the struggle, from the pain, from the realness, Here’s my story.”

Throughout my time at three of those seven schools, I faced significant bullying, which led me to despise who I was. I often couldn't even bring myself to eat lunch in the cafeteria, overwhelmed by embarrassment.

Photo by Road Ahead on Unsplash

In many of these schools, it felt like a survival game: either you became the bully or you were the target. At home, my single mother juggled raising three children, always prioritizing our well-being despite the challenges. She made countless sacrifices to ensure we were taken care of.

The release of that song coincided perfectly with my journey towards healing. After the bullying subsided, I learned to accept both my past and myself. Though moving meant losing friends and loved ones, I ultimately grew stronger from those struggles and learned to love who I am.

After listening to the song countless times, I gradually stopped caring about others' judgments. Even now, nearly nine years later, I still play it with passion, as it empowers me to embrace my true self and all my imperfections.

The chorus resonates deeply: “This is me so please accept me for who I am, And please accept me for what I do, I’m just doing everything that I can, ’Cause all I wanna be is true, So please accept me for who I am.”

While these lyrics seem straightforward, they carry a profound message—a call for love and acceptance from the world.

I’ve found that being authentic involves humility and moral integrity. I strive daily to be the best version of myself, not just for me but for those around me. I long for acceptance and recognition for the joy I bring.

Despite my challenges, I’ve also had many positive experiences and friendships that transcended the negativity. Embracing my true self became easier as I entered my sophomore year in high school. I shed my shy exterior and began to carve out my identity, earning the respect I deserved. This shift led to lasting friendships with people who appreciate me for who I am.

Bullying taught me invaluable lessons and contributed to my growth. It shaped me into a kinder person, reminding me always to treat others with respect—an essential lesson I carry with me.

I have evolved significantly, and while not everyone may accept that change, I wholeheartedly embrace it.

“Apologies if I ever let you down, But so much sh*t done happen that it’s hard to talk about.”

This lyric resonates with me, as I've had to apologize for moments of disappointment, yet every choice I've made was aimed at bettering myself. We all have stories to share, but I often hold my most personal experiences close, as discussing them can be emotionally taxing.

This song’s message remains vital to me: to strive for greatness amidst adversity. It encourages individuals to embrace their true selves, regardless of others’ expectations.

Another powerful takeaway from this song is the reminder that not everyone will accept you, which can be painful, but it shouldn't deter you from living your life fully. It’s okay to cry when needed.

“I look up to the sky, Lord why do I cry, When no one is looking, is the blame for this pain, Even caused by the shame of this fame I’ve been given, My pride don’t cause me to hide my true feelings, ’Cause I can only be real, ’Cause I can only be real.”

This line speaks to my own journey. I've learned to process my emotions better as I mature, no longer allowing pride to dictate my feelings. I often express my emotions freely now, as it promotes both mental and physical well-being.

A close friend once advised me, “never hold back your emotions, as it’s detrimental to your health.”

Ultimately, I cherish who I am—not just for the joy I share but also for my comfort in my own skin. I have a supportive circle of friends and family who have journeyed with me, and they continue to uplift me.

Through life’s ups and downs, we can all work towards better mental health and self-acceptance. If this resonates with you, your encouragement would mean the world to me!

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Chapter 2: The Impact of Music on Self-Acceptance

The first video titled "How I Overcame Bullying | Christina Angel Rawlinson | Growth School For Kids" explores personal stories of resilience and self-acceptance amidst bullying.

The second video, "Always Believe In Yourself | How I Overcame Bullying," emphasizes the importance of self-belief in overcoming adversity and fostering inner strength.