Embracing Primal Instincts: Standing Up to Bullies and Shaping Self-Confidence

Some people might think I have been rough on strangers who have tried to bully me. This is how I roll: if you are a stranger and bully me, I will engage my primal instincts to protect myself.

Only a couple of strangers in the past decade have experienced this and instantly regretted it. With those incidents, I have not for one second regretted standing my ground and confronting my bullies.

In fact, to this day whenever I think about those incidents, I am so proud of my Confident As Fu*k self. These moments in standing up to bullies have fueled my sense of self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence.

If you think about it from an ancestral perspective, the most capable, dominant ancestors likely prevailed and won favor among the group because it was a daily game of survival, and you needed to be valued by the tribe. You needed to be counted on.

And even in our modern day, no one counts on the person who cowers in the face of dominance or danger.

When you were in a school athletic scenario and you chose your team, did you choose the least capable? Not a chance. You picked the most confident players for a better chance of winning.

Primal skills such as defending ourselves, standing our ground, and speaking up should not be fully suppressed by modern spiritual teachings. While modern spirituality often encourages peace, love, and understanding, it is equally important to recognize the value of our primal instincts. These instincts have been ingrained in us through thousands of years of evolution, helping our ancestors survive and thrive in a harsh world.

Confronting bullies and protecting ourselves taps into a fundamental aspect of our nature. By embracing our primal instincts, we reclaim a sense of empowerment and assertiveness. It's not about seeking unnecessary conflict or promoting violence, but rather about recognizing that self-defense is vital for our overall well-being.

In a world where confidence is highly regarded, standing up to bullies becomes an opportunity to showcase our strength, resilience, and determination. It becomes a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. Each time we confront a bully, we become stronger, more self-assured, and more capable of navigating life's challenges.

While spiritual teachings advocate for peace and non-violence, it is important to strike a balance between our spiritual development and acknowledging the primal aspects of our nature. Suppressing our instinctual responses entirely can lead to a disconnection from our innate wisdom and hinder our personal growth.

So, the next time you find yourself faced with a bully, remember that it is not just about defending yourself at that moment; it is about nurturing your self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence in the long run. Embrace your primal instincts, stand your ground, and let these experiences become stepping stones on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself.

About the author:  Elle Russ is a #1 bestselling author, world-renowned thyroid health expert, and master coach. Learn about her Ultimate Confidence Course HERE