Bully, Bully, Bully! – October’s Month of Prevention

Published on October 18, 2018April 18, 2019 by Roshonda B5 Comments

All pictures, whether above or below are courtesy of bing and pexels

Hello Friends! Did you know that out of the 116 events October has going on this month – there’s one that tugs at my heart and that’s “National Bullying Prevention Month” in which was created by PACER a National Bullying Prevention Center in 2006. I would encourage you to visit the site as they have a lot of cool stuff going on and you’ll also be able to sign the PLEDGE which is a commitment to support and help others whom are feeling excluded or have been the target of bullying. I signed mine, will you take the pledge today? The color for bullying prevention is orange, so make sure you rock out some orange this month and not just for Halloween…LOL LOL!

When I was in school, I was bullied all the time – whether it was regarding my hairstyle, my dark skin, my quietness, the way I talked or how I dressed (in which I wore dresses all the time) I always felt like the target for something – I hated it – It was always when, I’d be sitting all by myself, not bothering anybody and just happen to look up and see a couple of girls or guys looking back at me – laughing and pointing because of the way I was eating my food or the constant stares I would get when I would walk by a group of girls and they would look me up and down and laugh because maybe I didn’t have on the latest shoes or clothes.

It was a period in which if I had a wand; I would’ve made it all go away. But I didn’t have a wand, so, therefore, I had to face it – ALONE!

When I got into the 9th grade; study hall was a place in which I dreaded to go. There was this guy in there who found a way to pick on me all the time and not only did he do it, but he acclaimed the attention of everyone else around him and they did it too. There would be such nonsense as, “Hey, Hey Girl” and when I would ignore him, he would call me the B word. When I would look over, he would say “Hey, this boy said he like you and then I had to suffer with the guy saying “I don’t like that ugly girl” and everyone would laugh and it would go on and on and on and on…the hour and a half couldn’t come fast enough, but for some reason it seemed to drag along as if it were enjoying me getting taunted too.

I had no friends and I dare not tell my mom what was going on, she had other things she had to deal with such as taking care of me and my two siblings alone. There were many dealings I’ve had with bullying, such as getting ganged up by a group of girls after school, to getting slapped by a boy so hard; until I never thought I would be able to see straight again; it wasn’t like I did anything to cause this – the cause of this was me doing nothing at all, just minding my own business – these things and many others like it was so detrimental, I literally wanted to take my life and almost did (something I never shared with anyone). I say all of this to say, bullying is not only mean but it’s an issue that if not dealt with, can leave you helpless in thinking that you’re alone and no one cares for you or about you. “Man, I wish I was pretty” I would always tell myself because everyone around me said that I wasn’t – this stigma followed me until I got into my early 30’s (to this day, I still have trouble actually looking at myself in a mirror).

My purpose for writing “Billy Wolf and the Kids of Heavenly Hills Elementary” is to tell the story of the many bullies we have walking around today – but, we can’t face them alone. We need more than one person to stand up, we need a nation. People that will not only sit back, laugh, post to social media and watch while others are being humiliated and degraded but people whose had enough and are willing to take a stand and help those being bullied; we need people who want to see CHANGE!

We’ve lost too many young people and adults as well to this growing epidemic – I was almost one of them. I didn’t realize how important my voice was until I began to use it – you have a voice; use it to regain your power even if you have to go the news – make your voice heard!! Let’s take care of each other, people can’t help the way they were raised or maybe what they were taught – let’s treat everyone as an equal; let’s stand up and make our voice heard; especially to the ones who have not yet found their inner voice, to speak out.

Let’s Take A Stand Against Bullying – Let’s SPEAK UP!!

Together We Can Do This!!

Weekly Announcements!!

Guess What!!!! She’s BACCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKK! Who you say??? AMY TEMPLE!! – For the last two Tuesdays of this month, you’ll get a chance to hear from Amy again and let me just say, she got a couple of posts ready and “You’re going to be truly “ENSPIRED” – In the meantime, check out her latest post “I AM NOT STUPID!“

Being that this is “Bullying Prevention Month” – Did you know that, that’s what my new faith-based book is all about? Adults, as well as children, can get something from it as we all have faced it in our own lives at one time or the other.

Check out this latest review from an adult/with no children whom found an interest in the book and gathered her own thoughts from it. I promise I’m not paying these people (Girl Scouts, honor =)

“I thoroughly enjoyed the book “Billy Wolf & The Kids of Heavenly Hills Elementary”. In a day like today, lots of kids deal with bullying. I loved how it encourages kids to stand up for good and be the one to make a change. It also gives the perspective of the bully’s life as a lot of times these children are dealing with bad situations and environments, and need help themselves. The book would be a good gift to kids and their parents to have open discussions and dialogues.” Tasha V.

Will your Review be the Next Featured?

“Billy Wolf & The Kids of Heavenly Hills Elementary”

Now available through these major online book outlets

Books-A-Million

Barnes and Nobles

Amazon

Purchase your copy Today!!!

How To Remain “Positive” In A Negative Environment

Published on October 11, 2018April 18, 2019 by Roshonda B17 Comments

The photo above and all others below courtesy of pexels.com

In Lieu of October – I thought I’d write about “Positivity” – did you know that October was Positive Attitude Month? Uh, Yeah – it really is….in which is something we should all have regardless of the month, correct?

But not so, sometimes it’s extremely hard to keep up a “positive” image and smile in the midst of chaos or adversity and it’s even harder to always try to search for that glimmer of light in the midst of so much darkness – but guess what! You really can…

When you go into a dark room and cut on the light, it makes everything within that room visible. Light has a way of shining on the darkest situations and circumstances especially if someone is having a bad day or if things aren’t quite looking UP as we sometimes would hope or think. Darkness is allowed in some cases such as when nightfall comes, that’s a darkness that is a must because after the sun has done it’s days work and sets in the evening, darkness comes to take over its shift, to allow people to retire for the night and rest but that’s how our solar system works.

So, what about the light and darkness we hold on the inside of us? You see, we all carry a light bulb within us and no matter how our day may go or play out, we have a sure responsibility to handle that day appropriately. We have the ability to turn our light on or leave it dark; it’s a choice that can only be made by you, whether to let positive rule the day or allow negativity to destroy it.

I’ve been told that I’m a very positive person and have had people to come to me when they either want to smile, talk or need to be uplifted from a dreadful day. So I share the light that’s on the inside of me with them. But, sometimes after I’ve given out so much light, there comes a time when my light gets dim and even dark sometimes.

That’s one of the downfalls to being an encourager – you’re the one that people call when they need to be lifted or consoled or just want to vent. But when it’s your time, you hear crickets! I guess that’s just the way the cookie crumbles…..

However; Listed below are a couple of strategies that help me and maybe can help you too when your positive light suddenly stop working or begin to go dim.

PRAY!

Now, I don’t know your religious affiliation and that’s okay, but when people are mean or have said something to me or about me that’s untrue and has totally shifted my light from bright to dark – Prayer is the first step I take. It’s a meditation route that not only relaxes your mind but calms your spirit; it brings you back into focus and allows you to think before you speak and say something that will dim someone else’s light.

TALK TO SOMEONE

Another way to stay positive is by talking with someone else who has a positive mindset. I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve felt down in the dumps only to talk to someone to vent and they start talking about their negativity. Choose your circle of friends wisely, because if you don’t have anyone that is able to listen to you or be there when you need a re-charge, then you might need to regroup and think about your circle. You’re there for everyone else, make sure you have someone that can be there for you too.

AVOID NEGATIVE NEWS

I almost can’t tell you how dreadful it is to turn on the news and see negative things – It’s not only depressing but discouraging. Not to be naïve’ to the news or the things that are currently going on in the world today but there are times when you need a break. That’s when I turn on some positive tunes on the radio or pop in a CD and sing. Reading positive things and/or positive quotes are also re-chargers to having a positive day.

DON’T CHANGE YOUR STRIPES

If you are a naturally positive person, don’t change who you are all because someone else chose to not turn their light on and have a bad day. Everyone is not going to be positive and smile like you do, but that shouldn’t stop you from being who you are when you change to accommodate a negative energy it makes you negative. People are People and everyone is definitely different – But don’t allow their difference to keep you from making a positive difference in your life and the world.

It’s not easy sometimes to maintain a positive disposition in a negative world; but if you keep your focus and remain true to yourself, you will have a light that will continue to shine inside of you and just may serve as the source for helping to turn someone else’s on too.

“LOOK UP, LOOK AROUND AND LOOK WITHIN, BECAUSE THERE REALLY IS POSITIVITY IN EVERYTHING” – BY YOURS TRULY

Weekly Announcements! – Book Review Time…

Sadly, bullying continues to plague our society, especially our children. This book shows the effects of bullying in one school and even offers a glimpse into the life of the bully. It reminds us that our behaviors have consequences and that with God we are strong. It also reminds us that God loves us, wants us to love each other and is willing to forgive us when we don’t treat others with love. The story could serve as a great conversation starter for parents to talk to their children about bullying—how/why not to be a bully and what to do if they are on the receiving end of such behavior. At the end of the book, there is a list of resources, as well as a beautiful prayer for the bullies, the bullied and the families of those impacted by bullying.

Jacqueline M. University Contract Manager, Retired School Teacher

Will your Review be the Next Featured?

“Billy Wolf & The Kids of Heavenly Hills Elementary”

Now available through these major online book outlets

Books-A-Million

Barnes and Nobles

Amazon

Purchase your copy Today!!!

EnSpired: I AM NOT STUPID! By Guest blogger – Amy Temple

Published on October 9, 2018April 18, 2019 by artemple20 Comments

The photo above courtesy of bing – all other pictures below courtesy of pexels

Please help me welcome Amy Temple!. Amy reached out to me about a week ago inquiring about doing guest posting, and after a couple of exchanges – I said YES! I’m so glad I did; she’s phenomenal and I encourage you to listen and be inspired by her story as well as her journey. So let’s give a warm welcome to Amy and please show your love and support by leaving her a comment below!

SOCIETY HATES ME!

I mean it can’t stand to even look at me! It sees me coming and it does all it can do to hide from me.

I don’t know why. I haven’t done anything to it.

I want us to be friends. I want us to hang out but it turns its nose up at me.

I tried to make it understand that this is how I was made but no dice.

You see, I learn differently. There are some things that I can pick up instantly and there are things that take me just a little bit longer to pick up.

After I was diagnosed, professionals told my parents that I would never amount to much. I would never be able to live independently…and on and on, it went.

My first experience of society flipping me “the bird”.

After high school graduation, I spent the next couple of years making numerous phone calls and going on endless job interviews… but all to no avail. I am blessed to have very supportive and encouraging parents who never treated me differently because of my learning difficulties. I have always been open about having them… to me, they are what they are.

However, my “condition” prevented me from finding a job… fast food restaurants and the like would not even hire me! I even signed up with a temp agency but nothing. All I got was a couple of internships with the promise of possible permanent employment… which never materialized.

It was not like I was lacking in any kind of skill. I have two secretarial certifications from a vocational training center. That should be good enough but just say the words;

“I have learning difficulties”

And you can almost hear the buzzer from Wheel of Fortune when a wrong letter is picked. Then…came an opportunity that was thought to be – dare I say – the Holy Grail!

I had applied for a medical secretarial position at the medical center of the retirement community I was volunteering for. I received notification that I was one of three final candidates. We were to each do a paid two-week internship. I felt SO confident that this was it! I had the most experience. I was the only one who had an actual certification in medical secretarial work.

But…

Another strikeout! I went to talk to the hiring manager afterward and discovered that the two medical secretaries I had been working under lied about my performance so that their friend would be hired (she was one of the final candidates).

I was furious! What got me was that the one other candidate was a single mother who really needed the money! I remember thinking, “What kind of lies did they say about her!?”

I had enough after that! I got sick and tired of all the BS I kept getting for having learning difficulties as I had done something wrong!

I have been self-employed in the dog care field for 12 years. My specialties are walking, feeding and playing.

I am also pursuing a writing career. My focus is inspirational and humor.

A couple of years ago, I decided to write a memoir about what life really is like with learning difficulties, entitled:

I am not stupid — *Amy’s first book available now on Amazon – Click Book for Purchase!*

It’s a quote I must have said hundreds of times when I was being rejected and discriminated against.

And it’s true… I’m not.

I have an above average IQ.

I have a life to live and I simply don’t have time to be worried about what others think of me.

I KNOW what they think!

They want me gone.

Out of here!

But…

I’m not going anywhere…

Society may just as well get used to it.

Amy is a resident of Florida. Since 2006, she has been self-employed in the dog care field. In May 2017, she self-published a memoir titled “I Am Not Stupid” which is available through Amazon. She writes for s eethegoodinfo, an inspirational website and the Learning Disabilities Association’s newsletter LD Source.

If you would like to know more about Amy and hear so much more of her powerful story, please click the link above (her book title) and show her some support by purchasing her book. I purchased mine! – Let’s support one another!!

If you would like to be a guest blogger on this blog – please email me (Roshonda =) at justsuminspiration@gmail.com for submission guidelines.

I Bet You Didn’t Know This! – October is FULL of IT!

Published on October 4, 2018April 18, 2019 by Roshonda B14 Comments

Okay, so now that I got your attention….hehe hehe

Do you know what the month of October is???

Just Guess…

Take your time…

I’ll just fumble around a little…

So enough of that! – Did you know that October is the National month of

__________________________________

Yes, that’s a blank space because this month has 116 National holidays or months of something. And yes, I counted – don’t believe me? Check it out here:

October’s Monthly National Observations

I was sitting, trying to figure out what to write for the month and I was like – let me see what holiday is coming up for October and BA-WOW!!! (That’s a made up word..lol) I was so shocked?? Like, just to name a few –

Spinach Lovers Month (Who Knew??)
Wishbones for Pets
Positive Attitude Month
National Ergonomics Month
National Cookbook Month
Eat Better, Eat Together Month
Class Reunion Month (Seriously??)
National, I’m Just Me Because Month (Yes, this is true!)

And of course, there are tons more – sooooo, if you’re stumped for something to write up this month – I’m sure you’ll find something interesting in Octobers month of oohs, ahh’s and oh really??? observances. You can thank me later…wink.

So, in going through the list – I found a couple of things that stuck out to me that I would like to talk about over the next couple of Thursdays (can you guess what they might be??) I actually have two for sure – the third one, I just may surprise you – it’ll be a surprise for me too. Last year this time, I took a stab at cooking – yes – I sure did!! It was a long shot but it was October and I had pumpkin fever, so heyyy….I got into the mood…

so much so I was offering a 25.00 gift card to anyone that actually made either of the simple recipes – but no one took the bait…lol. If you would like to check out my cooking/none skillz then check out this post – it has a link to every recipe made >>>>>>>> Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice! It’s Time for the Great Pumpkin!

Enjoy reading up on October’s National month of – I forgot to mention that I like how they have the topics highlighted, because it gives you an idea of where the “national or month of” originated from – In which you should take a look at National I’m Just Me Because Month – the meaning behind it, was very special.

See Ya Around…

“Look Up, Look Around and Look Within, Because there really is positivity in EVERYthing” – By Yours Truly

And now for your weekly Announcements!

**Available Now On Amazon! >>> Click Book above to Purchase Your Very Own Copy!**

I appreciate everyone who’s purchased my new and first faith-based children’s book “Billy Wolf & The Kids of Heavenly Hills Elementary” – It’s a book concerning bullying and hopefully it will inspire our kids as well as adults to speak up and take action. You can listen to my first interview podcast here.

Here’s another review from an author/publisher in the U.K.

“I was captivated from the very first sentence of the book all the way to the very end. I was eager to see where the story was going. As I continued reading, I thought about my 12 year old daughter also reading and enjoying the book. Therefore, I cannot imagine a child of elementary school age who wouldn’t love reading the book too. The moral behind the story is really how children should and shouldn’t handle such serious issue – one which drastically affects lives. I love how the quietest and most unassuming child turned out to be the hero of the story – highlighting that two wrongs DO NOT make a right! What I really loved is the spin on the story from a faith-based perspective. It is a very well written book which I thoroughly enjoyed as it was very easy to read and understand. I look forward to reading more books like this by the author, Roshonda”.

Deborah Sawyerr – Sawyerrs’ House

Bestselling Author

sawyerrshouse@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/sawyerrshouse

https://anchor.fm/sawyerrs-house

https://www.instagram.com/sawyerrshouse

https://www.twitter.com/sawyerrshouse

Will Your Review Be Featured Next??

DID YOU MISS IT? Come Listen To My First Podcast Interview!

Published on October 2, 2018April 18, 2019 by Roshonda BLeave a comment

Recently, I was interviewed by Brown Girl Table Talk on my new book Billy Wolf & The Kids of Heavenly Hills Elementary.

In this interview, I talk about the background of the book, why I felt compelled to write it, how children’s books played a very important part in my life and two things that I want everyone – adults included to take away from the book.

Well, I’m giving you first access to join me, right here! I’m sure you have questions and hopefully, this podcast interview I did with BGTT – Brown Girl Table Talk will answer them and if it doesn’t? Just ask me below – I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Enjoy!!

Have you Ordered your copy yet? Still deciding?

Check out this latest review and hopefully, it’ll spark your interest.

I read your book. I loved it! I was cheering inside when someone finally stood up to Billy. I found it interesting that even though it’s a children’s book, it’s very relatable as an adult. I think many of us have come across people who can make an environment toxic because they’re struggling with something and take it out on others. I liked how things turned out in the end, though. I also think it was an interesting way to teach kids about the Bible: give them a real-life story and then link it back to the Bible. I think you really get the value of it that way. And the prayer at the end was so compassionate. You obviously care about this a lot. Congratulations on a fantastic job, Roshonda!

Review from Blogger Driftyness (WordPress)