13 Reasons Why **Possible Trigger Alert**

Confession time.

I'm usually the last to adopt new styles.
I only know about tech advances because my friends and family tell me (or because I force myself to read TechCrunch).
Trends, in general, don't peak my interest until they're on their way out.
Television shows, movies, books, and other big productions don't enter my realm of knowledge until everyone else is already raving about them.

Why is this?

I believe this is because of one potential option below:

• I'm too wrapped up in my life to allow for additional noise that is of less importance to me.
• I don't like to keep up with the Jones's, so I just go about my life knowing that when something peaks my interest then I'll consume it at that time.
• I'm completely out of touch with reality and live a very boring life.

The answer could be any of these, just depending on the day, week, month, or even year.

Recently, I have been very much in touch with 13 Reasons Why. I would say this story entered my realm of curiosity because of my son (14).

When my son announced that he wanted to watch the Netflix series as a family, I learned that my daughter (19) read the book after it came out in 2007.  Not surprising... she reads everything.  But why did I not know about this? She was a leader in her Stand for the Silent Chapter during Middle School. She has stood up for her brother and countless friends - even strangers - who have been bullied, since she was a little girl. But... how could she have read this book and not talked to me about it?

Did she have someone, anyone, to talk to about Hannah's 13 reasons?

Did she have someone, anyone, to talk to about the emotional wreckage left behind in the quake of Hannah's death?

Did she need someone to talk to about alcohol, drugs, sex, abuse, and suicide?  She was just a "baby"... my baby.

Did she have someone, anyone, to tell her that she mattered? That she was enough?

Did she know someone who had contemplated suicide... had she needed help talking to them?

Now, here I sit with my son watching Season One, thinking these exact questions. Only with him, I worry about the possibility of becoming Mrs. Baker. The thought brings a stinging sensation to my eyes, as tears begin to form.

Bullies come in all shapes and sizes.

They attack boys and girls... men and women.

A single insecurity can open the bullying flood gates.

We try to stand up for ourselves, but the consequences are scary.

Fighting back often backfires in our faces.

So we become silent and withdrawn.

Until one day, we can't go on.

Cannot. Think. About. This. Outcome. Anymore.

This cannot continue, guys. We HAVE to move past the all-too-often tragic end to bullying. Seriously.

So, let's get started... shall we?

• Simply Talk!
• Parents: you're very important here. Talk to your kids.
• Kids: it's OK to talk to your parents or other adults (you could even ask for help)... we do understand. We've been there, believe me.
• Bystander Superhero! 
• Stand up/do the right thing... even if the person being bullied isn't your friend.
• Truth, you shall speak.
• Eliminate the rumor mill. You really only need one source of truth.
• R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
• Respect differences, respect preferences, respect boundaries, respect yourselves.
• Hey! Can I give you a hand?
• If you see someone struggling, give them a hand. Just do it. No need to expect anything in return and they absolutely do not owe you anything.
• You are awesome-sauce!
• Provide positive encouragement. You never know how far a simple compliment could go for someone.

Simple, small, effective changes can be made in our daily routines to begin making an impact on the lives of our friends, family, and co-workers who are at-risk - and even those who aren't. 

Please, if you do one thing today, let your actions be positive. 

Thank you for taking the time to read. I'd love it if you take a moment to share a thought or two... either in the comments or through email. 

Have a marvelous day! 💜

Cheers!

-S