Yesterday, I did something I normally don’t do … anymore.
I watched TV.
More specifically, South Park.
(The episode is called “Butterballs.”)
And it reminded me of my dark past. Why?
Because the episode I was watching was the one on bullying.
Summary:
In the episode, an anti-bullying speaker visits South Park Elementary, after which Stan raises awareness about the dangers of bullying by shooting a big dance video, while Butters falls victim to an unlikely bully.”
Ok, with that out of the way …
…Let’s talk real talk.
Here’s what that means:
Back in 2007-2008, I was massively bullied in school.
I was accused being gay (although—surprise!—I’m still not until this day).
I was ridiculed, mocked, victimized.
I was feeling helpless. (Only had a few friends back then that I could count on one hand, and with a self-confidence that you can’t really call it that.)
But the worst part:
I was NOT standing up for myself.
Ever.
In retrospect, that was the root cause:
I accepted the role of the victim WITHOUT resistance.
Some factors played in the equation …
…I was extremely shy around other people.
…Didn’t feel authentic, didn’t know who i REALLY was.
…Felt empty inside and became deeply depressed, as a result.
…[insert 100+ more reasons].
In the end, I was suicidal and close to the edge.
Close.
But I didn’t do it (obviously).
I was too afraid, too weak to actually go ‘n kill myself—fortunately.
This was the turning point.
I stopped considering myself a victim.
And decided to do whatever it takes to turn this thing around.
To step out of that victim role and into becoming somebody who’s more capable of defending himself AND protecting others, too.
(BTW, I’m not sure if it was a conscious decision from myself, or what really inspired me to make that decision. But it was GOLD.)
Game-changer.
Because—although it took YEARS of trial and error, continuous ridicule, and hardship—eventually … I turned my life around.
All because I somehow understood that it was my responsibility to be in charge of my own life, that no one’s going to do it for me, and that I was going to walk the talk—no matter what.
And I did.
What a relief it is, nowadays!
To do what’s most meaningful to me, regardless of what others may think.
To be able to make new friends wherever I go, whenever I want to.
To have a sense of purpose, passion, and progress in life—every single day.
And so much more…
And, it all started with this ONE decision back in 2008.
Don’t get me wrong here.
It all required enormous amounts of determination and perseverance.
As mentioned above, it took years of hard work with lots of trial & error, unnecessary detours, rejections, frustration, etc.
But, it’s all worth it.
(NOTE: I believe that without facing my fears, taking action in spite of them, meeting the right people at the right time, getting the support, focusing on developing the social skills necessary along the journey … I would have NEVER made it.)
The question now is, What is a meaningful life worth TO YOU?
Are you willing to do whatever it takes to make it a reality for YOUR LIFE?
Or, are you merely dabbling around?
It’s up to you.
–Mario M. Montreal
P.S. In the next days (maybe even tomr) I’m going to send you a free video and a personal invite to my new monthly training program, where we go in depth on how to turn your life around and what you must focus on.
