Freaky Friday #26

Today is Friday and that means it’s Freaky Friday. If you need to know more about this journal writing challenge please read the First Freaky Friday entry.

Today I want you to recall a time when you were either bullied or the bully. It’s ok, I won’t ask you to reveal which you were. This may have been an experience at school, but the incidence of workplace bullying is apparently on the increase.

Whichever part you played in a specific bullying experience I want you to write from the other person’s perspective. Slip inside their shoes and imagine how it felt to be that other person.

This may be a tough exercise for some of you. If reliving this experience is too painful it may be better not to write this exercise at this time. Hopefully you will at least make an attempt. The very act of imagining you are the tormentor instead of the tormented can help you deal with the issue in a concrete way. You can gain insight into your own behaviour if you were the bully and get a chance to experience how the victim felt being treated this way.

I have personally used this exercise to help me overcome an experience of bullying. I was better able to deal with the problems this created for me. I recommend this exercise for anyone who has experienced violence in their lives. But remember to be good to yourself first. Only do what you feel you can. If the memories are too fresh or too painful do something light and fun instead.