They say that hate only fuels hate, right? While some might oppose, I see that statement as 100% true. Everyone is getting so caught up in their own rage that they are taking out their anger on others—even those who have not done any harm. Why is it so hard to stand up for what you believe in without wanting to get revenge? Personally, this is something that sits heavy on my mind and constantly concerns me—and should concern you as well.

It is no surprise that now, more than ever, people are standing up for themselves and what they believe to be true, but are they doing it in the right way? Sure some are, but there are also a handful that are putting the lives of others at stake through their actions—whether it be something as major as the events in Orlando, or something as small as getting revenge on the new girl that your ex-boyfriend is dating. People are becoming so quick to jump to conclusions about other people without first taking a step back to breathe and think about what really matters. So many people want a constant reaction and to have the last word that they are forgetting that we need to be standing up for ourselves in a more poised and rational way.

Yes, I agree that with many recent events people have a right to be frustrated; I am not disagreeing with that fact at all. However, we need to be focusing on the way we are taking out these triggers that anger us throughout our lives and the lives that are at stake with these particular actions. Life is so precious, so why take it for granted?

Yes, I am aware that race, sexual orientation and other main topics as such have been an issue for quite some time, and quite frankly I am sure there are plenty of topics that I am completely naïve and ignorant to. I can't lie and say that I have full knowledge about everything. It is truly difficult to wrap your head around everything that is going on in this world, and I wish I could say it wasn't that way. Why is there any need for these things to be an issue? Sure, your morals and beliefs may not allow you to believe in something, but unless that person is harassing you about their views, why make an issue of it? And even at that, take the right movements to make sure that the issues become resolved. It is not that difficult to take action without causing harm—I promise.

My parents have raised me to love and care for someone regardless of the skin that they are in. I have been raised to only look at someone’s character and at that, if someone’s treating you negatively, to just relieve yourself from the situation. I am not here to say that I am not flawed and that I have never said anything that could have potentially been offensive to someone... because I'm sure we all have.

We are human and humans make mistakes. I was never taught to hate someone based on what they look like, and I was truly never taught to hate at all. After all, hate only fuels hate.There is a point where you have to be honest with yourself, and realize what is wrong with what is being said and change yourself for the better rather than the worse. Although I have made myself aware that hate and ridicule over others is never the answer, I am not naïve to the fact that others were raised differently. Hopefully people will begin to step up and realize that if someone is preaching hate, you can oppose. Follow those who spread positivity rather than those who spread negativity and you will go much farther. Love is always louder than hate.

After everything that happened in Orlando, I thought maybe people were starting to get a clue that things need to change in this world. However, in the midst of my sleeplessness I turned on my phone and started to scroll through Twitter a few nights ago and saw the hashtag #RIPAltonSterling, and while uneducated on the situation, began to look up a news article on the topic. Again this morning, in the midst of the issue of police brutality, I woke up to another news article this morning stating that 11 police officers have been hurt. On both topics from both nights it has me wondering if everyone has lost their sanity.

Where is the love, seriously? I want to have a future that I am able to believe in, rather than one that I have to live in fear of. I know so many wonderful people on both sides of the issue that it makes my heart hurt. It hurts to only see people being put into the negative spotlights—when I know that the majority of people that fall into those categories are wonderful, compassionate, caring people.

Maybe we have to start small—the bigger issues are not going to stop until we get down to the real issue at stake—to stop the hate. You do not have to agree with someone, or anyone for that matter on anything, but if it is not helping a situation if it does not need to be said. Let’s stop wanting to get revenge on those that do us wrong, and rather just let go of the situation. Remove the toxic people from your life if that’s what it takes. I know it is easier said than done, but it has to be done. Taking these small steps may not necessarily look like they are helping, but if everyone comes together and takes action it becomes extremely visible. After all, one person can spark an idea, but it takes an entire village to make the dream become a reality.

Let’s stop the presumptions of something simply because that is how our parents raised us, or because one group has given you the wrong impression. Everyone says that they want to change the world, but we are never going to be able to do that unless we change ourselves. Not to go all High School Musical on you, but "we’re all in this together." We are one country, no matter what your religion, race, sexual orientation, class, any of the main issues that this country regularly faces (that truly should not be issues).

So I challenge you, be the difference that you want to see in this world. It’s hard to change the lifestyle that you have grown up in, however I'm hoping that maybe this article will turn that little light bulb in your head on. I know that not everyone will ever agree on everything and that’s completely okay! Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but what you do with those opinions says a lot about you. Nothing is going to get better unless we all decide to become the change this world needs.