Life is brutal. It punches you in the face, kicks you down, and calls you names. Hate is ignorant. It exists on every street, around every corner, and down every alleyway. People cannot control life, but they can surely control hate. It is simply a matter of choice.
When I was younger, my mother would always say, "Don't use the word 'hate' because 'hate' is a strong word." In my youth, I probably rolled my eyes and thought she took things too seriously. As an adult, I'm starting to understand why 'hate' is such a strong word. I understand why it was something that she didn't want me to learn. By understanding hate, you receive the proper lens into just how ugly the world can be. It is truly ugly what we are doing to each other. It destroys your innocence with the knowledge that people can hate you for having a different color skin, a certain profession, different religious beliefs, or relationship partners.
Why is it such a bad thing that people are different? If someone doesn't share the same belief as someone else, they are instantly criticized and shamed for their opinions. Why can't we let people be? Why can't we let people live life on their own terms?
We are literally destroying each other. I don't understand how there can even be an argument over someone being more human than someone else or deserving more rights. We are all human, chasing the same end goal: happiness. The means by which we reach happiness or what cultivates our happiness may vary from person to person, but that's okay! It should vary from person to person. We should want it to!
We are allowing our learned hate to blind us to what's really important: people. People are important. You can replace a house, possessions, jobs, or money. You can never replace a human being. Once they are gone, they are gone for the remainder of your living life. We are so obsessed with controlling each other and stereotyping that we don't realize the damage being done. Lives are being lost through senseless acts of violence, all stemmed from this learned hatred of differences.
Other people help us survive. We will undeniably face sadness, devastation, heartbreak, or loss at some point in our lives. Other people can help get us back on track after the inevitable tragedies. For example, I lost my grandpa not too long ago, and it overwhelms me with sadness sometimes. However, I don't drown in sadness because I am surrounded by people I love. I have a great family, who is always there for me. I have friends that make me laugh and always make for a good time. That's why it is so important to preserve the precious gift of companionship, even with those whom we disagree with.
People help me survive. People ease the pain of grief.
People can turn the rain into sunshine.
Quit fueling hate and spread love to your people.
