Even in my unconscious, hormonal raging 13-year old body, I quickly learned the value of trusted followers. As a frustrated victim of bullying, I could see that popularity and power was a numbers game. As a new player at a new school, I wasn’t winning. I hadn’t made any friends and although extended a warm invitation to join the bully and her entourage of empty thinkers, I was neither impressed or enticed.

So the game began–although I didn’t know it. By rejecting the invite, this met I had no protection and was considered an outsider. Perhaps, if I knew the rules my decision may have been different. I was just trying to “do the right thing.”

“We were in gym class and each girl took her turn hitting me in the back of the head as she ran by. I sat quietly and watched the girls as they laughed and joked at me. Little did they know that I was looking for the weakest link. I found her. When she ran by and hit me, I got up and ran after her. I threw a few punches…thank God it didn’t last long. Before I knew it, I was in the guidance counselor’s office. No one could understand why “the good girl was fighting.” After that incident, I never had to worry about being intimidated by my classmates again.” (An excerpt from There Is More Inside)

I did exactly what I knew I should do, I became friends with everyone. I was a leader. I was consistent, respectful, and fair to everyone. I showed that I was a leader. I became the voice of reason for friends and associates who were having problems at home, with their relationship (if that is what you want to call them at 13 years old) or any situation that bothered them.

My classmates honored that. I became the gateway to a better way of thinking. In fact, two years later the student body voted me Queen and most popular, best dressed, friendliest, and most reliable! Where are you the gateway to? Find out why this is so important:

© 2012 All rights reserved. S. Renee, SRS Productions, Inc., There Is More Inside®