Hate has killed countless individuals; it has destroyed many destinies, prevented numerous people from rising, and brought so many to the ground. The hatred we receive from those around us has caused many to lose hope, leading them to give up on their dreams. The word "hate" has existed since the creation of humanity. In the Bible, we see how Joseph was hated by his brothers; they refused to say good things about Joseph (Genesis 37:4), and many other biblical examples illustrate the destructive nature of hate that has been in existence.
Hate can be experienced within families, friends, neighborhoods, workplaces, religious settings, and beyond. So, what can we do about it?
Last year, I experienced hate in a way that felt overwhelming, as if the world were coming to an end. The animosity directed at me was so evident that it seemed to recruit others to join in the slandering of my name and tarnishing my image. My passion for work became a distant dream. I often questioned whether I should continue in my position or apply for a transfer, which I knew would be a long and tedious process. I kept so much bottled up inside, losing my peace, self-esteem, and even my sense of style. I am too emotional!
There were days when I hated coming to work, uncertain of what awaited me. It felt like there was always something to discuss behind my back, and the damage to my reputation in places I could not see was immense. This torment continued until last year’s vacation when I finally decided to reclaim my sense of self. I chose to ignore their negativity and, remarkably, this decision brought me an unexpected sense of joy. I could see the pain in their faces as my happiness returned, becoming a constant presence in my life.
There’s nothing more empowering than what I have done. Although my family considered taking legal action against those who wronged me, I opted against it, believing that it hadn’t reached that point. There is a Yoruba proverb that says, “We cannot return from prison and still be good friends.” Sometimes, all it takes is to speak out and defend yourself when necessary while choosing to overlook the petty offenses.
I have learned that I do not need to respond to every slight hate directed at me. This is exactly what I have learned from Tiwa Salvage, a musician who was involved in a sex scandal some years ago, the way she kept her silence over the hate was astonishing, that shows, she is mature enough despite her career involvement, she maintained her silence and the hate went down on its own 👌 What a true way to shun hate sometimes. However, protecting myself against serious offenses may involve legal action if necessary, but seeking peace is ultimately the goal. My peace is my aim in 2025.
The image is mine.
This is in response to the #hivelearners writing prompt on the topic: The hate you get.
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