Copyright 2019 – Rebecca Nietert
Late at night, worry consumes my thoughts. There’s a never-ending list of concerns: my son joining the Army, my kids’ relationships, bills piling up, commitments, navigating interpersonal dynamics – the weight of it all feels overwhelming. And to top it off, there’s a myriad of stressors like cultivating relationships, maintaining a marriage, caring for ailing family members and animals. It’s no wonder I’m wide awake, with worries racing through my mind.
But amidst all these troubles, an even more pressing question begs for an answer: why do certain individuals within a company intentionally hurt others for selfish reasons? What motivates them to cause harm while hiding behind others to achieve their goals? And why do they act surprised when their actions yield negative consequences? My son suggests that it’s a lack of empathy, a “disconnect” with people, a failure to learn compassion.
Today, I received a dreadful email that shook me to my core. I made sure to fully absorb the weight of this person’s attempt to bully me into compliance, merely for posting a less-than-favorable review. Yet, astonishingly, his company continues to contact me! They resort to threats, inadvertently proving just how remarkably inept they truly are.
It’s time to take a stand against these injustices. No one should live in fear of unfair treatment or manipulative tactics. Let’s unite against those who perpetuate harm, and advocate for a world where empathy and compassion prevail. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that kindness triumphs over cruelty.
Remember, you are not alone in your struggles. Reach out for support, share your story, and let the world see that we refuse to be silenced. Together, we can create a future where empathy shines brightly and harmful intentions are utterly powerless. Stand strong, and let your voice be heard.
Reba Nietert 
I feel your pain. And I struggle with the same kind of issues. But a sliver of a chance exists to expose the bad guys for what they are. It floats like a thin reed drifting down a bayou waiting for the few of us who care to seize it. Unlike television, we do not always win. But sometimes it is worthwhile to fight the fight without regard to winning or losing.
Indeed. Living out loud is not really an option. To feel, you must persevere.
I detect a writing prompt here: the pain of perseverance.