I began performing the heart of the “Peace Begins with You and Me” concerts when I was asked to perform at the University of Oklahoma after the bombing.  Earlier that day, I visited the area that had been bombed and saw hundreds of teddy bears lined up on fences and words of “We’ll remember you forever.”  It was disturbing beyond all words.   As I stepped on the stage that same day, I was filled with emotions of anger, overwhelm, sadness, self-doubt and confusion:  “What do I have to offer that can make a difference?”  “Why am I here, and who am I to be doing this? I am not a famous name.” 

As I stood on the stage, a butterfly flew on my microphone and then on my shoulder.  I looked at that butterfly as a message that I was meant to be there as ME, a perfectly imperfect human being-a person who has been blessed to have meaningful lyrics and music flow through me and into the hearts of all ages.    That butterfly gave me the courage to move more fully forward in confidence that day, with the intention of inspiring people into a state of hope, love, healing and unity. 

As I began to sing my “ONE PLANET, TOGETHER WE CAN LIVE” song, an idea spontaneously came to me.  I asked everyone to come down from the bleachers and connect with one another while singing the chorus, and miraculously they did!  I couldn’t believe it.  All they needed was a facilitator-leader who gave them the motivation.  Everyone came down-all religions, learning abilities, shades of colors, young and old alike, singing ONE PLANET while hugging,  shaking each other’s hands, crying, smiling, and unifying  with each other in grief, healing and hope.

It was in that moment that I had a glimmer of why I was here on earth, and the common thread of everything I do: My life’s purpose is to provide hope and empowerment tools for raising consciousness in as many people as possible.  My goal is to create an inner and outer environment of respect, forgiveness, compassion, tolerance, caring, consideration, cooperation, manners, and most of all LOVE.  Since Oklahoma City, I have continued to hone this particular concert.  It is a lifetime process as I rediscover new ways to emphasize the importance of being an everyday hero, a life of respectful living and a bully-free, safe existence for everyone on our beautiful planet.

Cheryl Melody www.cherylmelody.com

I can still remember what it felt like to be bullied, and I also remember coming home and teasing my sister so that I could regain the power that I had lost at school.  I don’t know the exact reasons why I was bullied.   I was from a poor family of a minority religion, with grandparents that didn’t speak English. Maybe the roots of bullying stemmed from all of these reasons, maybe it was none of them.  As a young girl, I was shy, quiet, a “nice girl” and very protective of my parents.  I didn’t want them to feel badly or disappoint them in any way.   I tried to do what I was told and to be a good student.  I was a silent sufferer.  I told no adult. Kids who saw and heard all the name calling and physical violence, the by-standers, were also silent.   I can still hear the name calling and labeling.  I dealt with exclusion, intolerance, stereotyping, crude name calling, domination, victimization and a lack of self-belief. 

     The irony is that bullying issues have become part of my life’s work. Within my career as a performing artist, writer, composer and educator, I create songs, plays and stories that nurture self-esteem and respectful living, encourage children to be a hero in their own lives, and create an awareness of the importance of inclusion, kindness and caring.   In my Peace Begins with You and Me-We’re Bully-Free teaching concerts, I also encourage children to tell a trusted adult if a problem is too big to handle. 

     However, if there is one primary message to share with you today, it is this:

WE have to be there in the moment, and to be still long enough to notice our child’s nonverbal and verbal signals.   No matter how busy and distracted we are, we need to offer children the focus, time and open listening.  We need to be ready to be entrusted to hear and to guide.

     And remember to call upon the creative arts!  The arts provide teaching tools.  Use them.   Integrate MEANINGFUL songs, stories, plays, art and dance expression, and help children find the words, the actions and the voice that encourages self-respect, self-esteem, empowerment and love for humanity.   

Cheryl Melody www.cherylmelody.com