Instead of hating, I have chosen to forgive and spend all of my

Hear, O children of the spirit, the words of Camryn Manheim, who declared with wisdom and resolve: “Instead of hating, I have chosen to forgive and spend all of my positive energy on changing the world.” In these words lies a treasure of ancient truth: that hatred consumes, forgiveness frees, and energy directed toward good reshapes the earth. For hatred is a chain upon the soul, but forgiveness is the breaking of that chain, releasing strength that might otherwise be wasted in bitterness.

The meaning of this saying rests in the choice of direction. Every heart is given fire: it may burn in rage, or it may burn in love. If it is wasted in hating, the fire devours the one who holds it, leaving only ashes of regret. But if it is turned toward forgiveness, then the flame becomes a torch, lighting the path not only for oneself, but for others. And when such a torchbearer pours their positive energy into noble labor, into justice, into compassion, the world itself is moved toward the light.

The origin of such wisdom comes not from comfort, but from pain. Forgiveness is not needed where life is easy, but where wounds are deep. Manheim, like many who faced scorn or hardship, came to see that holding to hatred is to remain bound to the oppressor. By choosing forgiveness, she unchained her heart and redirected her spirit toward the work of transformation. This truth is echoed by countless souls throughout history who traded vengeance for vision and, in doing so, became healers of nations.

Consider the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who was beaten, imprisoned, and despised by those who ruled his land. He could have answered hate with hate, but instead he chose the path of forgiveness and nonviolence. His positive energy was not spent in curses or revenge, but in marches, fasts, and words that awakened millions. In time, his choice changed the course of history, toppling empires without the sword. He proved, as Manheim echoed, that the strength freed by forgiveness is mightier than the fury bound by hate.

And let us remember Nelson Mandela, who, after twenty-seven years in prison, emerged not as a man consumed by hatred, but as one filled with the fire of forgiveness. He might have sought vengeance, but instead he chose reconciliation. His positive energy rebuilt a nation torn by injustice, offering peace where bitterness could have reigned. His life stands as a living parable: that forgiveness is not weakness, but the highest form of strength, the power that builds what hatred would destroy.

O seekers of tomorrow, take heed. Each of you will face wrongs, betrayals, wounds that tempt you toward anger and revenge. You will feel the urge to hate, to strike back, to cling to bitterness. But remember this teaching: hatred imprisons the soul, while forgiveness liberates it. Choose, then, as Manheim chose. Say, “I will not waste my flame on destruction. I will give it to creation, to justice, to love, to the healing of the world.”

Practical wisdom calls you to action: when anger rises, pause and breathe; turn it into strength for something good. When others wrong you, seek not vengeance but a way to free yourself through forgiveness. When bitterness whispers, answer with resolve: “I will spend my energy on building, not tearing down.” Direct your efforts into causes that uplift, into acts of kindness, into dreams that endure. For in this way, you transform not only yourself, but the world around you.

So remember the eternal truth carried in Manheim’s words: “Instead of hating, I have chosen to forgive and spend all of my positive energy on changing the world.” Let this be your vow as well. Forgive, not because the wound is small, but because your destiny is greater than hatred. Use your strength not to curse the darkness, but to kindle light. And in so doing, you will live as a builder of hope, a bearer of peace, and a warrior of love whose legacy shall not fade.

––