There are scores of songs about anger and betrayal and overcoming. I thought of dozens of them as I started my work on today's entry because it was something very much on my mind. Most of the songs I first considered were too good. Using a song like "Backstreets" by Bruce Springsteen to describe my feelings at a recent situation would have been like bringing out the good China to serve a Big Mac to your idiot cousin. Thank God for Metallica. They may take this song seriously, but we don't have to. We can have some fun with it.
So, who and what has gotten me so riled up? The names aren't important. No, really. As for the situation itself, it's not much more important. It's something that has happened to you. It's not the first time it's happened to me. Someone says some unkind things behind your back and you find out about it after the fact. Can you imagine? None of you have been there, right? I'm glad to say it's not a daily occurrence for me, but this isn't my first time at this particular rodeo. It still stings.
Hate is confusing and misunderstood. It's something we have to go through and experience to realize what a waste of time it usually is. I don't know which is worse: hating or being hated. I'm not sure I've ever been hated, but I've given into hate in my own heart and it didn't take me anywhere I wanted to be. You have to read the fine print with this. Hate looks good on the surface, especially when you're really angry or you've been really hurt. Once you give in to it, it has to be fed in order to survive and hate eats more than a high school wrestling team. For most of us, we realize that only after we've been drained and emptied.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Good column Josh, and I agree -- life is sometimes just too short.
As you get older, you also realize that sort of negativity can really start to eat you up inside, and that it's not very good for your health either.
Personally speaking, while I'm not one to let it slide easily when I feel like I've been dissed -- because I've learned from experience not to, if you want people to respect you -- in the end, sometimes you just have to let shit go. Not only is it easier, sometimes its just better for your health and for your own peace of mind.
Good column, sir.
-Glen
2 - Josh Hathaway
Thanks, Glen. Most of life's most important lessons are learned the hard way and most of life's best lessons are finally learned when accompanied by a laugh.
3 - Mat Brewster
That was a good column Josh. I'll even resist making all the fun I want to poke at your sensitive side.
4 - Mark Saleski
this is why i always say bad stuff right to josh's face.
seriously, good stuff here.
5 - Josh Hathaway
Sensitive side? Not in the least. I have angry and sarcastic. That's about the extent of my depth, fellas.
Thanks for reading and for the comments, guys.