It gets better ...

It pains me to see someone hurt because of what another has said or done.  It pains me even more when it is a child that hurts because of another child. Especially when that child is kind and caring, putting others before themselves.  

To simply say that it gets better could inspire hope and yet the reality is that mean people do exist in the world. But often what actually "gets better" is not the situation or the other people causing the hurt but our reactions to it.  Often the 'getting better' means getting stronger and getting smarter - realizing that there are in fact people in the world who do love you, care for you, and wish you the best life has to offer.  People who are your friend because they love everything about you - all your idiosyncrasies. Knowing that these people exist now and that they will exist in the future means that there will never be a moment where you are not loved just for being the wonderful unique person you are and part of getting stronger and smarter means you learn to realize who these people are and you invest your time, friendship, and energy into the people who will actually accept you as yourself. At first it may not be apparent who they are and you may have to seek them out but they are there; we do exist.  And even if at this moment you don't think anybody does then I 'm here to tell you that I care. I may not even know you but I love everything that makes you who you are.

For some reason difference is not well received in this world. Being different has caused many wars and genocides. What I don't see is the difference between these terrible acts (war and genocide) and those associated with everyday bullying, and homophobia. They all seem to be a 'we' don't like you because you are different or not just like us so 'we' are going to kill you or make you live in a ghetto or put you down or make fun of you or not be your friend or not let you have the same rights just so 'we' can feel better about ourselves.   Seems to me that the bully/dictator always goes down in history as being the bad guy. Don't believe me? Ask Voldemort. So then why are there still so many who bully because of difference?

It seems we have a different = scary mentality instead of a different = good mentality. But it is our differences that make us.  Yes - Our differences make us. Your differences make you. My differences make me.  That is how simple it is. Differences make us individuals. So love your differences; love your friend's differences and embrace different as good because it is not scary. It does not need to be killed or put down or made fun of.  Because you know what? My difference does not harm you so you don't need to be afraid of it.