Written by After yesterday’s tragic events in Paris, it was difficult to “celebrate” another day for my project this month. I worried about what would be deemed appropriate and and then realized that’s exactly what the monsters among us want. They want us to stop living and start fearing. They want to see us changed. And there’s no way in hell I’m letting them win.
So today, we continue on by celebrating Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day, a day that encourages us to de-stress and unwind and seek balance in life. It’s a day of peace and hope, and one that reminds us that no matter what happens in this crazy world, we need to take a mental break and step back from a spiral of angst and fear.
The truth is, the majority of us are wonderful people, living lives of love. People who don’t use their faith to justify their own evil agenda, but use it to spread good things. Things all faiths can agree on. And because I know this is true, I never lose hope. Together, we can rise above it.
When I was a kid, I was a bit of geek and rather fat, though my mother says I was just chubby. The distinction was lost on a certain super popular boy who used to tease and bully me. As if I wasn’t fully aware that I wasn’t fit and didn’t do well in gym class, he felt the need to remind me at every turn. And it stressed me out.
I would do everything I could to avoid him at school, but he would somehow find me and start in with the taunting. I felt helpless as I couldn’t fight back. I didn’t know how to stop him. So, I would just leave school, happy to be heading back to the safety of my home and friends that didn’t make me feel like crap.
I’m not sure what happened, but one day, it occurred to me that this boy, the one who seemed to hate me, shouldn’t matter to me. So why was he allowed to be on my mind? Why was I letting him become so important to me? It was at that moment that I decided to let it all go.
The next day at school, he came up to me with his usual taunts and I just smiled. “Why are you smiling fat ass?” he asked, his expression changing to one of confusion. “I just realized you don’t matter,” I said and walked past him. I cringed thinking he would run up behind me, but he just stayed standing in the same spot. For the first time in likely ever, he felt powerless. And I felt great.
I’ve encountered other bullies as I’ve gone through life. They always seem to crop up again wearing new faces. Miserable people who never experienced true happiness and want to bring everyone else down to their level. But they don’t bother me anymore. They don’t matter.
What matters is focusing on all that’s good in life. Stress is just a mental bully that doesn’t deserve any more attention than a physical one. So today, I’m happily loosening up and lightening up and I invite you to join me. All you wonderful, beautiful, amazing people who deserve only the best and happiest moments life has to offer. This is your day. Spend it with someone you love.
Great post, Charlie! ❤️ Boys used to bully me in Jr. High because I looked different so I understand how painful this can be. Some adults do the same thing – ask insensitive questions but I also learned like you that if I don’t give them any power then what they say can’t hurt me. Amazing how well this works. Enjoy your day! 😊🎨🌈
Thanks Jill! 💕😃 Yeah we’re the cool creative ones, so we actually have all the power in the end, right? 😉😎❤️
Right on, Charlie! 😊🎨💖
Aww! Thanks for sharing this event in your life. Stay strong always in your faith. Thanks for thinking of Paris too. Got three foreign exchange students that live there and haven’t heard from them. God protect your children!!
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Thanks Shirley 💕 Sending hope that they’re all okay! We heard from all of Philippe’s family and friends there and they were fine. But it’s such a crazy world we live in… Hope we find peace soon.
Amen, brother–been there–still am in some ways–as usual, GREAT post!!!
I think sometimes all creative folk have been there… we’re different… In the best ways possible. Much love friend! ❤️😃
Yes, I say yes to exactly living life to it’s fullest and enjoying every minute of it while being kind to others and mother earth. Thank you Charlie, another perfect post!
Awww thanks Cathe! 💕😃 It’s been such a crazy time these last couple of days. It’s so wonderful to know so many kind people. The world still had plenty of hope left.
Beautiful painting, it has a wonderful look of hope about its eyes and conveys a lovely sense of freedom of spirit. Thank you for the image painted with brush and the encouraging message painted with your words. You are certainly one of those people who has an inner light that keeps the darkness of the world at bay. Peace and /hugs.
Thanks so much Haunani! 💕😃 You seem to project quite a wonderful light. Thank you for all of your sweet support and encouraging comments. Hugs back at ya. ❤️
Yes, I agree that we can’t let the bullies dictate how we live our lives. Such a hard lesson for children who want to just fit in or for kids who want to be an outsider so badly that they end up being the stereotypical outsider.. ❤️
It’s tough when you’re a kid, but I’m not sure it’s much easier as adults. As long as we just stay our crazy creative selves we’ll be just fine though. 👍🏻😉❤️
That’s quite a tale.
Hmmm… does that mean you liked it?
I like your image and continue to struggle to sort out how you manage to blend your colors so well. As to the story, I’m with you. I’ve noticed for a long time that when I run or cycle my mind often goes back to encounters with bullies and I replay them differently. Strange, isn’t it? I like the part of your story where you reframe it. That’s a wise and proper response to bullies.
Thanks Kirk. Yeah… I think the world is full of bullies, but I also think good will win. The thought of giving them any power turns my stomach, so I say… let’s never give it to them!
Right on.
Oh Charlie O! I really think you are my sole brother! Big Bear Hugs to you today and every day! You got the message right on buddy! Right on! xxxooo
The world does need more bear hugs!! I can’t imagine a world without them! Thanks friend❤️😃
O M G – Soul brother I mean – Dang! Or maybe we do like the same shoes – who knows! 🙂
I figured that… it would be super bizarre if we wore the same size 😳
Wonderful, wonderful post, my dear; I love you even more than I did before. Is there a line to adopt you for a sibling? 🙂 💙❤️💙
Awwww you’re so sweet, Teresa! ❤️😃 But hey, we’re fellow doodlewashers so we’re already family! 😉👍🏻 And that makes me incredibly happy…and hopeful! 💕💕
Yes! xo
Bravo! And of course fabulous befitting doodlewash 🙂
Thanks so much Nicole!! ❤️😃 Peace and love to you my friend!!
So good Charlie ! Thank you for wording it so well , and sharing your story , and lightening our day with such a beautiful drawing.
Turtle Hugs 🙂
Thanks so much my friend! I really appreciate the kind words! 💕😃
Thank you for sharing this with us, Charlie. I too struggled with the “is this appropriate” question. Of course, I rescheduled a post that was completely off the mark but leaving an empty space and not saying something seems wrong, too. I don’t live in a box, but rather, out there in the world so these events have the potential to affect me personally. I think we should get on with it but when we become focused and determined, it should be for building a better world. Art has the power to change lives for the better, to show compassion and present commentary. Please keep painting. We need beauty to overwhelm the ugliness in the world.
What a beautiful thing to say. We do have the power to make things that show the good in the world. And I do think we should keep showing what we make and not hide ourselves. Just keep spreading happiness and light!
I know how you felt yesterday. I went for a long walk in a VERY wet London but was just thankful to be alive. I think your post hit the right note. As the other comments show more eloquently than me.
Jean-Paul
Thanks so much Jean-Paul! I really appreciate that!
Wow! What a story Charlie. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks so much Eileen! ❤️❤️
This is perfect, Charlie. What else to say?
If only I’d had the guts to say that to bullies back in the day! Go you!
Thanks, Jacob. I think I added a little extra colorful language in reality 😊 But that’s the gist of it!
Haha, oh you potty-mouth! But it’s OK – sounds like they deserved it.
“What matters is focusing on all that’s good in life” Amen to that Charlie 😊
Thanks so much Tori! Here’s to everything good! 💕
Well doodled and well written. Thank you Charlie for this moment of peace in such an unsettling time.
Thanks Rachel. I really appreciate that ❤️❤️
I think most of us have those junior high and high school moments. You are exactly right…they don’t matter! (K)
I’ve never understood what would possess someone to get joy by causing pain to others. I guess some humans just never learned how to be human.
Well said. Thank you.
Thanks so much Susan!
Thank you so much for this beautiful post! It really helps me reading this, while I struggle pushing back my fears… You are right, bad and stupid people shouldn´t matter at all! Life is beautiful, most people are good and just want to live in peace and happiness. People picking on others just show how weak and disturbed they are on the inside. Today I have to go to a mall downtown, and I was afraid until now. But I won´t let them “pick” on me. I will go there and I´ll have fun! 😊 Oh, and beautiful painting of a dove!!! ❤️
That makes me so happy to hear Ann!! ❤️❤️😃 Yes! We can’t let the bullies win and make us fearful! We are the good people and we deserve to live happy lives! Have a fabulous time today my friend!! 😃👍🏻
I’m sorry you were bullied as a kid, but impressed by how you handled it. Your painting is beautiful and fitting for mourning those lost in the Paris attacks.
Thank you so much, Sharon! 😃💕 We all get stronger in those moments.