COURAGE IS FIRE, AND BULLYING IS SMOKE
















“My pain may be the reason for somebody's laugh.
But my laugh must never be the reason for somebody's pain.”

-       Charlie Chaplin

During the campaign for Presidential elections in America in 2016 (Donald Trump Vs Hillary Clinton), Michelle Obama’s one statement had inspired me the most. She said: “When they go low, we go high.”






Now, reflect on this statement… How profound it is! I had nothing to do with Trump or Hillary, nothing about who wins or who loses there… Still, when Michelle said that, I felt she was talking about a universal truth – an everyday truth – of Life…

I come across this challenge every day… There are those bullies around me, who are chronically insecure and operate from fear, hatred and complete lack of trust. They can stoop to any low level to defame you and destroy you… And, often, they seem to succeed in what they do…

And, this is where the true test of my character lies: Should I get down to the bully’s level or rise above him?

Seth Godin said:
“A bully is playing a game, one that he or she enjoys and needs.
You're welcome to play this game if it makes you happy,
but like for most people, it will make you miserable.”

We need to stand up to bullies to protect our own honour and self-esteem. But, there comes a time, when we may have to leave the bully alone and let him continue doing what he likes. And, the Life’s experiences have shown us, that bullies have, always, died in their own net, in their own game of poison!

That’s what is happening to Trump, right now. Not even two years have passed since he became the President of America, his chronic bullying has already brought to him what he deserves… Clintons, Obamas and Democrats are not required to do anything… Trump has done it for himself…

A dignified living is all about developing our healthy self-esteem, for which, a deep trust in ourselves and others is the foundation. When this trust isn’t there, you are bound to become a bully – a toxic, reactive and insecure person.

Dan Pearce said:
“People, who love themselves, don't hurt other people.
The more we hate ourselves, the more we want others to suffer.”

Let’s remember this: We can’t heal our own hearts by inflicting wounds in others’. That’s why Charlie Chaplin, the man who made us feel so happy through his laughs, said those words:

“My pain may be the reason for somebody's laugh.
But my laugh must never be the reason for somebody's pain.”


That’s the test of courage… That’s the test of our character… And, that’s the spirit of Michelle Obama’s clarion call… “When they go low, we go high”!


GERALD D’CUNHA

Pic.: Kamal Kishore Rickari

Video: YouTube


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