31 Days of Simplifying

I have decided to join a blogging call to write and share on one topic for the next 31 days.  My life is need of simplification.  How bout yours?  Purging and tending to what really matters is the direction I'd like to take with this 31 day challenge.  Some days I will tackle big stuff and on other days I'll offer a quick fix.  The goal here is to elminate stress and frustration and replace it with ease.

Day One

What to do with gift cards and special offers?  Toss them in your purse so you'll use them, right?  Well, that is if you can find them or remember you have them.

To ensure I find and use gift cards and such, I place them in this leather envelope I found at Hallmark. The envelope is put into my purse so that I have everything accessable and keep the clutter in my wallet and purse to a minimum.  

Goodbye to the days of, "Where is that gift card to....?"  

Simplification

XO

An Apology from My Bully & A Response

I wrote a post about bullying I encountered in elementary school and shared the link on Facebook.  At the time I wrote it I hadn't thought about my bully actually reading the blog post, but she did.  Not only did she read it, she responded to it by sending me a private message via Facebook.  I've sat on responding back to her for reasons I can't really articulate. It isn't that I didn't want to respond I just haven't had the words...the heart and mind don't always synchronize.

Until now...

Here is my response to her:

Dear           ,

I hadn't anticipated hearing from you in response to my recent blog posting.  The fact that you recognized that I had written about you and reached out to me within an hour or so of my publishing threw me.  While I read your message, I saw you and I as ten year old girls.  While I can't get back the years of childhood that were stolen, I certainly don't define myself by those years.  Your apology has settled in and I can honestly say it was good to read.

My one regret is that I did not stand up to you.  I did not stand up for the other girl who you targeted either.  I suppose even as an elementary student I could see you tearing me down had more to say about you than me.  You were my Nelly Olson.  If I only knew what I know now.

I appreciate you reaching out to me and sharing how I left a mark on your heart when you experienced tragic loss.  I vividly recall that day I came by your home. I was terrified to drop by but with my mother's urging I knew it to be right.

My posting brought to light how bullying is pervasive,  how bullying is damaging, how powerful it is when someone speaks up and says I will not witness this bullying and let it continue.

I'm grateful for your message.

I wish you only the best.
Sincerely,
Tanya