Grow Through What You Go Through
Together, we can create a kinder world
11.30.2020
This past August, I was asked to join the leadership committee for an Orange County, California-based nonprofit, Bloom Foundation. Bloom's mission is to provide social-emotional learning programs to help middle and high school students grow from bullying. Bloom Foundation's vision is for every girl to feel safe and supported going to school, focusing on three core values: growth, truth, and love. I was honored by this request, and I've since been serving on a committee with other bright professionals to support the founder of this nonprofit, a woman who has become a good friend — Andi Long.
Andi experienced cyberbullying in middle school and then again in college. This is why she started Bloom Foundation in 2017 to teach young girls that they can grow through what they go through. You can read more about Andi's experience here.
Being involved in Bloom has me reflecting on my personal experiences with bullies...One summer in middle school, I joined basketball camp to see if I wanted to try out for the school team. A girl I thought was a friendly acquaintance shoved me from behind really hard when I went in for a shot during drills. I was so confused - what did I do to deserve that? And no, this wasn't an accidental foul, and the coach didn't see it happen. Something in me decided not to give her any credence, so I ignored her and stayed focused on playing the game. I steered clear of her for the rest of my middle and high school days, and I never joined the basketball team. But I found other interests, including tennis.
Adults are no exception and often can face it in the workplace. Nothing is ever perfect, and humans are humans, so one is bound to work with some bad apples now and then. What does bullying look like in the workplace? It can include spreading malicious rumors or gossip. Yes, ladies and gentlemen. Gossip. Like the kind that can happen in private instant messaging conversations or 'water cooler talk' when everyone is out socializing over drinks after work.
I'm a very determined person, and I believe I have a strong mindset. But I'm not immune to moments of vulnerability. I've had days where I've cried in the corner of a bathroom stall at work and then privately put myself back together and went back to my desk to finish the day. I've broken down in tears on my drive home from a rough day of dealing with some bad behavior in the workplace. Fortunately, I know my reinforcements are a mere call or action away, whether that be a phone call with my dad or one of my besties, taking time for myself in nature, journaling, or hitting up a barre/yoga class after work (pre-covid days).
The thing about bullying is that it is less a reflection of the person on the receiving end, and more a reflection of the bully (and their need for power, control or attention). And I do believe that people and organizations can evolve if they choose to do so.
In this season of gratitude, I am very thankful for my position on Bloom's leadership committee. This role has allowed me to show up in this remote-era of working (regardless of how many miles now lie between beautiful SoCal and me) and apply my skillset to a nonprofit making a difference in girls' lives.
As you consider your charitable donations this season, please consider giving to the Bloom Foundation to help others grow through what they go through, and visit hellobloom.org/donate.
Warm regards,
