You hear the word thrown around every day. “I hate this," "I hate that.” However, I don’t think the people who use this word so constantly realize how much weight the word holds. I used to be one of those people that used the word 'hate' to describe anything or anyone that I didn’t like. I started to realize how much negative energy I carried around every single day and that negative weight really did some damage.

See, hate takes effort. When you hate, you stay invested in these people or things that make you unhappy and focusing your energy into things that make you specifically unhappy is unhealthy for your soul. These people spend more of their time being angry than they do smiling. They pick things apart to find something wrong instead of enjoying everything that is going right.

Now, I’m not perfect. I still use' hate' sometimes to describe an action or a thing without a second thought. However, four years ago I decided to stop hating people. There is nothing more hurtful than thinking or knowing someone dislikes you so much to use a word with such a heavy, negative connotation.

I was raised to love people, even the people that upset me. Everybody is human and you’re just simply not going to agree or get along with every person you meet in life. Instead of hating them, you simply take yourself out of the game and stop caring. Let them do them and don’t let their negativity affect you.

By taking the meaning of this word seriously and avoiding the negative energy, I have become a much happier and more understanding person. I know that sounds silly, but by nixing little words out of your vocabulary, you find yourself talking about happier things, thinking happier thoughts and just being a happier person. Maybe, if more people stop using negative words, this world can become a much happier place. That’s a little ambitious, I know, but it all starts with one step.

To help you change your way of speaking, here are a few tips for when you want to express how much you “hate” someone.

1. Take a deep breath. This is always the first and best step towards clearing your mind.
2. Remember that this person is human. Nobody is perfect, not this person and certainly not you. Your words will hurt.
3. Let it go. It may be easier said than done, but don’t let yourself dwell on the issue. That will only make you more upset.

Consider taking the word “hate” out of your everyday vocabulary and experience a positive, happier mind.