When to Shut Up

I used to think silence was weakness. It’s knowing when our voice will only add to the noise.

Funny how we talk a lot, yet hear so little. We try to fill silence with words, thinking it makes us understood, when sometimes it only makes the noise louder. And while the world keeps shouting to be heard, we forget how powerful quiet can be.

Because silence isn’t weakness. It’s the strength to stay gentle when words could hurt.

We need to shut up

When secrets are meant to stay sacred.
Not everything trusted to us belongs to the world—silence is respect.

When someone’s grieving.
We don’t fix pain with words—we comfort with presence.

When someone’s still talking.
We don’t always need to jump in just to be heard. Listening all the way through is sometimes the kindest thing we can do.

When we don’t know what we’re talking about.
Silence saves us from pretending to be wise when we’re really not.

When the talk turns cruel.
Some jokes aren’t funny when kindness is missing.

When anger starts speaking for us.
Words born in heat never age well.

When truth will come out in time.
Let silence carry it until honesty can stand by itself.

When gossip starts to sound fun.
Spreading it doesn’t make us wise—it makes us part of someone’s fall.

When our pride starts speaking louder than truth.
It’s better to pause than to prove.

When our words start to wound.
Sometimes we hurt people not because we mean to, but because we don’t stop soon enough.

When our conscience tells us to.
The world’s already loud—heaven still speaks in quiet hearts.

I guess I just learned these things the hard way… because I Learned to Shut Up.

I Learned to Shut Up • Darem Placer

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Play Acoustically Amid the Noise and the Haste includes I Learned to Shut Up

⌨ ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ

Violence in School? Not Cool.

Even one violent act can silence laughter for years—choose the kind of strength that lets others feel safe again.

Violence in school isn’t bravery. It isn’t power. And it’s definitely not cool. It’s a cowardly act that destroys lives, breaks trust, and leaves scars that don’t fade—on victims, classmates, teachers, and families alike.

The Real Aftermath

When violence strikes on campus, the headlines may fade fast—but the pain and fear linger for years. Friends lose friends. Teachers lose students. Families lose loved ones.

And for anyone thinking of doing it—whatever “cool” dramatic moment you’re imagining doesn’t happen. What follows is shock, disgust, and rejection from everyone. Instead of respect, you get isolation. Instead of power, you lose control of your life. You don’t become a legend—you fall into a living hell of your own making.

Violence Doesn’t Earn Respect

Hurting others isn’t strength—it’s weakness. Real strength is walking away from a fight, asking for help when things get heavy, or standing up to protect someone being hurt. That’s what earns real trust and genuine respect—not weapons, not threats.

How to Stop Yourself Before It’s Too Late

If you ever feel like you’re about to snap—angry, hopeless, or ready to hurt someone—here’s how to pull back:

Pause and breathe – Step away to cool down.

Talk to someone you trust – A friend, teacher, counselor, or family member. Even if you think they won’t get it, speaking up helps.

Write it down – Putting your thoughts into words makes them easier to control.

Find a safe outlet – Sports, exercise, music, art—anything that releases energy without hurting anyone.

Ask for help early – Saying “I’m not okay” is a brave step toward real solutions.

Hurting others won’t heal what’s hurting you. It might make you feel powerful for a moment, but you’ll lose everything that could have made your life better. Real strength is solving problems without destroying anyone—including yourself.

How the Whole School Can Help Prevent Violence

Safe spaces for everyone – So students can speak up when something feels wrong.

Early action on conflicts – Resolve issues before they grow.

Campus watch culture – Look out for each other and recognize warning signs early.

Highlight everyday heroes – Celebrate kindness, courage, and compassion as what’s truly cool.

Choose the Path That Builds, Not Breaks

Every student leaves a mark—through actions, words, and choices. You can be remembered for making others feel safe, valued, and supported—or throw it all away in a single act of harm.

You always have another choice. No matter how heavy things feel, there are people and ways to help you carry it. Talk to someone who listens without judgment. Your life can still go somewhere good—and you deserve to see that day come.

Violence will never be cool. Protecting your classmates, friends, and community will always be.

ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ

Forgiving the Tortured Torturer’s Torturer • Darem Placer

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Without Without includes Forgiving the Tortured Torturer’s Torturer