Award-Winning Author Writes About Overcoming Bullying

Dark Joseph Ravine has a story to tell—one that speaks to the power that comes with overcoming adversity. Ravine, a social media influencer and Guiness World Record holder, decided to channel his childhood bullying experiences into a helpful tool that sets out to support modern kids facing the same: his debut children's book Watch Out! It’s Nolan.

Ravine’s literary endeavor tackles a subject that continues to cast a long shadow over many’s childhood, unfortunately: bullying. Beyond just speaking of the pain and suffering endured by victims, he crafts a compelling narrative chock-full of valuable lessons about kindness, resilience, and how accepting yourself for who you are makes you an even stronger person.

From Pain Comes Resilience

In his book, Ravine opens up about challenges he faced growing up: recalling the isolation he endured and the stinging pain inflicted by bullies. Countless readers forced to navigate their own oft-treacherous social landscapes, at school or otherwise, can soak in these experiences to learn something along the way; and it was in fact those trying times that ultimately drove Ravine’s decision to promote positive change within both his own life and the world at large. One such example? His online platform—Kindness for Success—which highlights his own personal transformation in a dedicated space that promotes positivity and empowers visitors, particularly young people struggling with the minutiae of complex friendships and social circles.

In telling the tale of the book’s protagonist, a character targeted by bullies, the story discusses having the courage to stand tall despite any negativity in one’s life: championing the power of resilience and the importance of staying true to oneself despite (in many cases) a mountain of adversity.

Breaking the Cycle: It’s All About Kindness

Ravine views kindness as a force with the ability to spread like wildfire to create a more positive environment for all—emphasizing the importance of teaching these values to kids right from the get-go and thus giving way to a generation of people who choose empathy over aggression. As for the benefit? Breaking the cycle of bullying.

Beyond just spouting this insight on the pages of his book, however, Ravine encourages children to acknowledge their individuality while shunning the pressure to conform to the expectations of others. In his opinion, people who stay true to their own unique values/talents are the ones who find success: a message that’s a breath of fresh air in a world known to celebrate what’s trendy and popular, reminding kiddos of just how valuable they are (quirks and all).

Bullying: Impacts & Drivers

By now, it’s pretty much common knowledge that bullying’s impacts are far-reaching; this problem has the (unfortunate) potential to erode self-esteem, cause crippling anxiety, and send victims spiraling into the depths of depression. Ravine's work offers a powerful antidote, however. By normalizing kindness and pumping up individuality, his book helps give children what they need to navigate social interactions—full of complexities and challenging nuances—with confidence.

In doing so, Ravine doesn't consider bullies one-dimensional villains. His work delves deeper, prompting a thought-provoking question: Why bully? As for the answer, many bullies are in fact shielding significant unhappiness and/or masking an insecurity of some sort. By bringing empathy to the forefront and promoting the same, Ravine encourages children to see beyond the taunts and recognize that many bullies are harboring pain.

Building a Better, Kinder Tomorrow

Ravine's message—moving past his role as an influencer—is a call to action for children, parents, educators, and society overall. More specifically, he invites these groups to prioritize open communication and create safe spaces for children so they can express and work through their struggles. One day, he hopes, this will help bullying become a fading memory.

At the root of this growth and these efforts? Kindness. Climbing out from the abyss of bullying victimhood and going on to become a champion of empathy, Ravine and his story serve to inspire both children and adults—who can learn from him while encouraging the next generation to work toward a world where compassion reigns supreme.

Beyond specific plot points sprinkled throughout Ravine’s book, his message resonates as a reminder that kindness, even in small acts, is so very impactful. Picture a world where children are encouraged to celebrate their differences, empathy bests aggression, and benevolence is the new norm. This is the panacea the author envisions, and his story (alongside that of countless others who’ve overcome bullying themselves) is a motivator to make it happen. In demonstrating the power of self-belief and the importance of building a better world, one act of kindness at a time, Ravine doesn't just preach kindness—he lives it.