If you're anything like me, you've had your fair share of people saying some stupid things to you while growing up as a kid.

Some mean things maybe?  Critical things? Judgemental things?

The problem (according to science) is that sometimes those verbal abuses, if dished out during our formative years, can get stamped into our psyche and can stick to us a little longer than we'd like.

I can relate because I got my share of verbal abuse from many strangers starting as early as the age of 4 years old.

My upbringing was a bit unusual in that I grew in Minnesota during the height of the Vietnam War.

People were not too fond of asians during that time, and rightfully so, many were losing their sons and young boys to a war they didn't understand.  And they had to vent out their sadness and anger on someone I guess,...

I remember one time, when I was just 4 years old, a woman came up to me and screamed,

"Go back to where you came from you chink, jap, gook!!!"

It made an impression on me.  I grew up feeling like I didn't belong.

But the point I'm trying to make is that verbal abuse (or any kind of abuse for that matter) can make one feel like they're constantly under a threat. 

And if experienced repeatedly long enough, can poke holes in their armor and weaken their sense of worthiness and value.

It's hard to believe in yourself while having this type of cloud hanging over your head.

One of the things that has helped me personally overcome this gray cloud was to constantly remind myself of this one truth...

"I am stronger than others think."

For me it meant that no one could break me.

Their words could not break me. Their malice, and hate, and judgement, can't break me.

I am stronger than all their hate put together.

That's what it meant for me while growing up.

But now, that I'm an adult, it means something different. 

It's no longer about whether I am breakable or not.

It's no longer about whether another person's words or hatred can break me or not.

No.

It's now about "freedom."

It's now about rising above the toxic layers of society. Rising above ignorant and discompassionate thoughts of others (no matter who it's from).

It's about being my own person. And being plugged in to the Source of all strength, power and forgiveness provided by my Creator.

That's what it means to me now.

What do you think?

Are you with me in this declaration of freedom?

This is the first of the "LifeChanger Manifesto".

Are you ready to be a LifeChanger? First starting with yours then we'll move onto others.  Are you in?