As someone who went through eleven years of childhood bullying, I know only too well how traumatic an experience it can be and the lasting impact it can leave on your emotional wellbeing and self-worth.

Childhood bullying can create feelings of worthlessness, low self-esteem, and low self-confidence that can persist well into adulthood. It certainly did for me and as I write this I’m reflecting on my journey from surviving the playground as a shy, timid and sensitive young girl, to thriving in my new identity as a coach, healer and entrepreneur.

I want you to know that it’s never too late to start the journey of self-discovery and transformation and you can speed up this process to overcome the negative effects of childhood bullying and reclaim your confidence and self-belief.

It’s a process that takes time, effort, and patience. It requires you to take a close look at yourself and your experiences, and to identify the beliefs and patterns of behaviour that are holding you back. This can be a difficult and sometimes painful process, but it is also incredibly empowering and liberating, especially when you have someone to support and guide you through this journey.

The first step in the journey of self-discovery and transformation is to acknowledge and accept your experiences without judgement. This means recognizing the impact that childhood bullying has had on your life, and accepting that it was not your fault. It’s important to understand that the feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem that you’re experiencing are a result of the bullying, and not a reflection of your true worth as a person.

Once you have acknowledged and accepted your experiences, the next step is to identify the beliefs and patterns of behaviour that you feel are holding you back. This might involve exploring your thoughts and feelings on a deeper level, examining your relationships and interactions with others, and questioning your assumptions about yourself and the world around you. 

Another valuable aspect to consider is exploring the patterns of self-sabotage you may be experiencing. The journey of self-discovery and transformation also involves taking action to let go of old beliefs and patterns of behaviour that no longer serve you. This might involve setting new goals, learning new skills, and practising new habits. An empowerment coach can be a valuable resource during this process, providing guidance and support as you navigate these complex and often challenging issues.

Throughout the journey of self-discovery and transformation, it is important to remember that change is not always easy, and that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the process. But with each incremental step you change from identifying your beliefs, to creating new beliefs and patterns of behaviour, empowering you to create new habits.

Here are three tangible action steps that you can take to begin the journey of self-discovery and transformation to overcome the negative effects of childhood bullying…

Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself, and treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would offer to a friend who is struggling.

Challenge negative self-talk: When you catch yourself engaging in negative self-talk, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself if they are really true.

Explore your passions: One way to begin discovering who you truly are is to explore your passions. What makes you happy? What are you good at? What brings you joy?

In the end, the journey of self-discovery and transformation is about reclaiming your power and your sense of self. It’s about recognizing your worth and your potential, and embracing the person you truly are. 

With the right support and guidance, anyone can embark on this journey and overcome the negative effects of childhood bullying. For more support download my free confidence guide.