Abuse? , No

There are countless individuals out there who opt to live in an abusive environment. I am not speaking of physical abuse, but that of the mind kind. The hit and punch sort is criminal and there is only one thing to do about that. Get out fast and stay away.  The other kind of abuse, the mental kind,  is just as bad but because there are no visible scars, those in it, tend to stick it out. It can be perpetrated by males or females, young or old and in every level of society. It can be done by those in authority of some kind in a home, business or social setting. The one who causes this kind of anguish enjoys seeing the victim cringe and dissolve. They feel a heady power and consider themselves stronger and greater for the abuse they fling out. Everyone who has had a teacher, boss or even someone from the pulpit bully and harrass, knows the feelings of degradation that descend. But almost always there is a defense that protects one from this kind of offense. It must begin inside you, the victim. Words are the weapons used and, as they say, sticks and stones can break bones but words will never hurt me. Words can hurt more, but only if you let them. First you have to find the very fine person living inside you, the person who deserves better treatment than to be abused. You know a way to build up your persona by looking at what you do well and seeing all the positives about yourself. List them. Look only at the good and you will find that the abuse hurled at you, has no place. Give it no place and see the abusers for what they are: frightened about their own status, thinking that to put you down will build themselves up. They are small children in a dark closet pounding the door to get out. They are blustering but pitiful creatures, not ones to be feared. They react to your goodness with resentment because they want what you have: a forgiving, peace-loving, righteous nature. They pound away with their bad-mouthing hoping to destroy you. You know you are better than their behaviours and can over-come their harrassments by giving them no attention whatsoever. Your path is clear. You know what you are doing for yourself and it is the right and proper way. You step over the cruelties hurled and go along the pathway that is clear to you. You are what matters in your life. They have no place and no meaning in it. Tell yourself over and over again how valuable you are and that you have a long life ahead and a chance to walk down your pathway knowing that your bright discovery will light it up and kindness toward others, warm you as you go.