I'm a writer with enough rejections to wallpaper a room. But still writing. Persistence and hard work make all the difference. Plus moving on but never forgetting. Brava to your badassery.
This is all so powerful and uplifting, although I’m so sorry you went through all of this and for so long. I really think perseverance is the key to survival and we can see this in our long Jewish history. It’s such a dark time, but there are lots of things to celebrate like Hannukah, new books, and the ability to choose who’s on your podcast and who isn’t! Sometimes it’s the seemingly little things that bring the most satisfaction.
Zibby, I think everyone wishes for a moment with their bully where they can admit how the behavior affected them, and to see what the bully says. As least she admitted it, if unwilling to name her actions (kind of like “I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings” isn’t an apology either). Good for you!
Couldn’t love this more as I pitch - and sift through rejections often - my fashion essay collection. And brava on giving the bully a chance but not letting it go when she didn’t step up. You never cease to inspire, Zibby.
I smiled as I read your piece --- the underlying philosophy is so familiar. It's the wisdom my mother beat into her sons: "There's always something more you can do."
Love this piece! Rebuilding is inevitable on the road to success. That doesn’t always mean throwing ideas out completely, but tinkering with them to make them better.
Hi Zibby - your summer experience brought back one of mine in vivid detail. The summer before my freshman year of high school, and yes two girls who made my life HELL. Unlike your situation, they were two girls who had been at that camp for years and were quite popular. I was new, weird, and easy pickings. I counted the days before I could see my parents and then go home. (Second four weeks was better - I did have a friend in the bunk). Facebook has asked if I want to be friends with one of them. Nope.
I did get a great college essay out of the process.
And some names to use in my books for characters I don't like.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Hannukah and ways to build a brighter future. Always.
Thank you for sharing this story within stories within the biblical story of REBUILDING! What a perfect arc and how relevant, touching, triumphant, and yes: inspiring. Happy Hanukkah 🕎
I love reading everything you write. It all resonates with me down to my core. From the survival of my grandparents who were in concentration camps to growing up in tough circumstances- rebuilding is always something survivors need to do. We get knocked down, but we get up again! Happy Hanukkah.
Ah! I’m sorry this happened to you at sleepaway camp, Zibby!
…Let’s share more stories like this. I’m exploring the ways women & girls form friendships, and bully each other. The stories need to be told so that we can all do better!
I'm a writer with enough rejections to wallpaper a room. But still writing. Persistence and hard work make all the difference. Plus moving on but never forgetting. Brava to your badassery.
This is all so powerful and uplifting, although I’m so sorry you went through all of this and for so long. I really think perseverance is the key to survival and we can see this in our long Jewish history. It’s such a dark time, but there are lots of things to celebrate like Hannukah, new books, and the ability to choose who’s on your podcast and who isn’t! Sometimes it’s the seemingly little things that bring the most satisfaction.
Love that!
Thank you! I just had a talk with my 16 year old daughter about the importance of not forgetting!
Loved this piece you wrote! So inspiring. Happy Hanukkah.
happy hanukkah!!
Zibby, I think everyone wishes for a moment with their bully where they can admit how the behavior affected them, and to see what the bully says. As least she admitted it, if unwilling to name her actions (kind of like “I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings” isn’t an apology either). Good for you!
Rebuilding=Rewriting.
Love. This. Story. What great analogies of how we rebuild. And a twist of fate that the bully wanted to be a podcast guest.
I once googled the two little girls who were the first bullies in my life. Funny how we remember their names.
Wonderful piece. Happy Hanukkah. 🙏❤️
Couldn’t love this more as I pitch - and sift through rejections often - my fashion essay collection. And brava on giving the bully a chance but not letting it go when she didn’t step up. You never cease to inspire, Zibby.
I smiled as I read your piece --- the underlying philosophy is so familiar. It's the wisdom my mother beat into her sons: "There's always something more you can do."
Love this piece! Rebuilding is inevitable on the road to success. That doesn’t always mean throwing ideas out completely, but tinkering with them to make them better.
Hi Zibby - your summer experience brought back one of mine in vivid detail. The summer before my freshman year of high school, and yes two girls who made my life HELL. Unlike your situation, they were two girls who had been at that camp for years and were quite popular. I was new, weird, and easy pickings. I counted the days before I could see my parents and then go home. (Second four weeks was better - I did have a friend in the bunk). Facebook has asked if I want to be friends with one of them. Nope.
I did get a great college essay out of the process.
And some names to use in my books for characters I don't like.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Hannukah and ways to build a brighter future. Always.
Thank you for sharing this story within stories within the biblical story of REBUILDING! What a perfect arc and how relevant, touching, triumphant, and yes: inspiring. Happy Hanukkah 🕎
Poignant, heartfelt and encouraging to other authors. Thank you Zibby for being such an inspiration.
I love reading everything you write. It all resonates with me down to my core. From the survival of my grandparents who were in concentration camps to growing up in tough circumstances- rebuilding is always something survivors need to do. We get knocked down, but we get up again! Happy Hanukkah.
I love this zibby. Thank you
Ah! I’m sorry this happened to you at sleepaway camp, Zibby!
…Let’s share more stories like this. I’m exploring the ways women & girls form friendships, and bully each other. The stories need to be told so that we can all do better!
Never forget. I am 82 years old and I will never forget. Thank you for your words and for not giving up.