Truths I Don’t Like #748: I am the villain in someone else’s story.
Probably lots of someones, actually.
A lifetime is a long time to live, especially in community and relationship with other people. And no matter how much growth we pursue, no matter how lovable we like to think we are, there are some people who just do not and will not ever like us.
There are some people whose hearts we’ve broken.
There are some people whose lives we’ve been instrumental in veering completely off track.
There are some people who hope they never see us again and who still have not forgiven us and probably never will.
There are people who will just be mean to us no matter how nice we are in return.
And all of that is okay. (She says with a cringy face through gritted teeth)
Rather than focus on my villain status in someone else’s story (or more often, someone else’s villain status in my own story), I find I have a lot more peace when I focus on the heroes instead.
Who are the heroes in my life? The people who love me just as I am, and who love me enough to draw out the best in me? Who are the people invested in my life, my heart, my pursuits, the things I believe in? Who are the people who step in to help when I need it most? Who see me when I’m hurting and care enough to do something about it?
And…
To whom can I be a hero? Not a savior, because we can’t do that… but a person who shows up, who encourages, who believes, and who sticks firm when stuff gets tough? Who is ready to sit with people in the dark? Who loves with grace yet isn’t afraid of speaking the truth even when it’s uncomfortable?
Sometimes heroes show up in our lives for only a divine moment, and sometimes we’re lucky enough to walk with them life-long.
May we grow better in releasing our villains in the pursuit of personal peace. May we do our best not to become villains ourselves, and forgive ourselves for the ways in our pasts we’ve used our powers for evil – whether we intended to, or not.
Here’s to the heroes.
HP, J 