Life is full of ups and downs, and one bitter truth we must all accept is that at some point, we have wronged someone, and someone has also wronged us. Whether we like it or not, this is part of the human experience. We often see ourselves as victims when we are hurt, but if we look deeper, we will realize that we have also caused pain to others, whether directly or indirectly. It may not always be through big actions; sometimes, a careless word or a simple act of neglect can hurt someone deeply. No one is completely innocent.
When we think about life, it is filled with many disappointments, some come from others, and some come from us. We all carry scars of moments when people let us down, betray us, or hurt us. In the same way, we must admit that there are people who carry scars because of something we did or said. This cycle of hurt and pain keeps moving, and it is part of why relationships and human connections can be so complicated.
Growing up, many of us experienced this reality firsthand. Some of us were bullied, insulted, or even abused in different ways. But if we are honest, we also did the same to others, especially those who were weaker or younger than us. That is how life often works — those who are hurt sometimes turn around and hurt others. It becomes a cycle that continues from one generation to the next. Even though it is not right, it has become a common part of human behaviour, and it will continue until the very end of time.
It is very easy to point fingers at others when they hurt us. When someone’s weakness or mistake becomes obvious, people are quick to attack, judge, or mock them. If one part of a person’s life or body seems to have an issue, you can be sure that others will use it against them, whether directly or indirectly. That is just how the world works. People rarely stop to consider how their words and actions can destroy someone else’s confidence or happiness.
I remember when I was growing up, some of my mates in secondary school gave me a nickname that never made sense to me. It was not just a simple name; it felt like a label meant to put me down. They thought it was funny, but to me, it was painful. It made me feel small, like I was being oppressed in a way. That experience taught me how powerful words can be and how easily someone can hurt another person without even realizing the depth of the damage they are causing.
Over the years, I have learned that while we can not control what others do to us, we can control how we respond. Forgiveness is never easy. in fact, it is far more difficult than seeking revenge. But when we choose peace instead of retaliation, we free ourselves. The hurt may not go away immediately, and the other person may never change, but deep inside, we feel lighter. Real change may seem impossible, but it begins with one person making a different choice. If we start with ourselves, perhaps we can inspire others to do the same.