One of my co-workers told me something last week that has been sitting on my mind. First let me give some back ground.
Growing up, I never really dealt with bullying. I’m glad I never had to deal with it. People (adults and kids) can be so cruel at times. When I DID run into bullying, it was as an adult. For five years, I had a work place bully. It REALLY messed with me. I never did anything mean to this person, she just got in her mind that I was an easy target. She made it seem like I was out to get her (which no one really believed). She never really was good at her job and I think a little jealousy came into play. My manager was aware of what she was doing, but did nothing that made any difference for years. (She was a bully to him too) What my co-worker (not the bully – luckily she was FINALLY fired after FIVE long, torturous years) recently told me was that this bully would come into work and tell her other co-worker, “I’m going to make Amy cry today.” It should make me upset that this person didn’t speak up about this, but I can understand not wanting to get involved or get lash back. There were a hand full of times that she was successful in her goal. I hate to admit that I was so weak and let her effect me like that. I never was “OK” with her, but I got to a point where I didn’t care any more what she thought or did, and it took a little of her power away. It was a long, emotional journey for me and still has some lingering effects on me. I don’t think I’ve totally let go of my hate for this person, and that is such a foreign emotion for me. My co-worker said it was funny how people still talk about her and she’s been gone a couple of years. I’ll say – she did leave an impression, just not a good one.
It’s been an emotional five years. I feel like it’s made me less outgoing and more introverted and guarded, but I’m slowly crawling out of it. This coming year is going to have a lot of changes for me, and I hope for the best! Thanks for all who have stuck by me and given me love and support. I have so many of you in my life, despite all, I’m very blessed.
