One of the predominant disorders and prevalent threats to our social wellbeing is bullying. Bullying is a painful experience that many of us face, especially during our childhood and teenage years. As a child with a bigger build, I encountered various forms of bullying. Classmates would call me names like “tambok (fat),” “baboy (pig),” and “oink,” jokingly suggesting I was “na pasagdan sa kusina (left alone in the kitchen)” just because of my weight. While they may have intended these comments as jokes, the impact they had on me was depressing.
Instead of accepting my body, I let the hurtful words of others dictate how I viewed myself.
From elementary school through high school, I felt the weight of these words. I never saw myself as beautiful because I was labeled as “fat.” Even when I lost weight in high school, I struggled to recognize my progress. My mind was trapped in the belief that I was still the same person I had been before. Despite eating healthy and rarely getting sick, I continued to see myself as inadequate. This negative self-image became a part of my identity. I didn’t even realize how much I was hurting myself. I isolated myself from my family and others, opting to wear jackets all the time and avoiding sleeveless tops out of shame for my arms. Instead of accepting my body, I let the hurtful words of others dictate how I viewed myself.
As I grew older, I began to understand the long-term effects of bullying. I realized how many opportunities I had missed because of my mindset. I often questioned myself: What if I hadn’t let their words affect me? Would my life have taken a different path if I had been more confident? The truth is that bullying can be a silent killer. It doesn’t just hurt in the moment, it can crush a person’s perspective on life for years to come. The scars left by bullying can shape how we see ourselves and interact with the world around us.
I learned to love my body for what it can do rather than how it looks.
As a young adult, I started to acknowledge the importance of self-acceptance. I realized that my worth is not defined by my size or what others say about me. It took time for me, but I began to challenge my negative thoughts. I learned to love my body for what it can do rather than how it looks. I also started to connect with others who had similar experiences. Sharing our stories helped me understand that I was not alone after all. We found strength in our journeys and began to lift each other up.
Today, I strive to love myself more and others. I aim to spread compassion and support. Bullying leaves a lasting effect, but it doesn’t have to define us. We can choose to rise above it and create a more positive narrative in our lives. If you’re struggling with the scars of bullying, remember that healing is possible. It starts with self-love and the courage to embrace who you are.
I hope these words reach you because you are not alone and your story matters.
