Ma'utot i korason-hu ya hu asi'i: My heart is broken. On the island of Guam, if a Chamoru or Guamanian living in a village has endured hardship, whether it is a mental breakdown, personal and physical issues, a family or friendship betrayal, hatred, jealousy, or a committed sin. Immediately, the power of word of mouth, the power to make a good laugh at, and the power to destroy a person's dignity can drive an innocent soul to the breaking point into despair. Indeed, it will immensely hurt, but will it destroy them? On its website on January 23, 2025, Madeline Roosevelt-Defuria expresses how betrayal and bullying taught her resilience, in which people will abuse and hurt her still continuously, yet she gets back up, moves on, and moves forward, and finally leaves them forever. The conflicted pain never truly destroyed her; in fact, it made her even stronger and more powerful.Life on Guam growing up was extremely complex, and some of us know the stories of my past and the gossip that tangled the very core of a family loss and bad reputation. The question is, do you really, truly know the truth of the matter? For years, I entrusted the very people I thought were and that I loved. I friended but was misguided, and I trusted but was used.As true as all this can be, deep in the very core of my heart, it hurts, but it isn’t destroying me. Push me down, and I will just get back up. I am one to not falter, but one to change the core of every foundation that hinges the very innocent souls who suffer, and with that is through creative storytelling.Through the grace of God’s blessing, I know I am here to serve and be of purpose to my divine calling from God. I am asking you, the reader, and my friend, to simply be my friend; there is no need to shy away from the gossip of old, but join in on a newfound beginning of a new friendship. I amigu-mu un bendision: Your friendship is a blessing. Written by: Anna Marie MonizReference:Roosevelt-Defuria, Madeline. “From Pain to Power : How Bullying Taught Me Resilience, Boundaries, and Mental Toughness.” From Pain To Power : How Bullying Taught Me Resilience, Boundaries, and Mental Toughness, Wealth Movement For Mothers, 24 Jan. 2025, http://lifewithmadi.substack.com/.../from-pain-to-power....