The Reason Why Seeking Vengeance Isn’t Worth It

Earlier today I had a conversation with a friend.

He said to me, “Lately, I’ve been feeling such intense feelings.  I want to take revenge and vengeance upon anyone who has wronged me… Do I just let Karma do it’s job?”

I told him, “I used to feel that way.  I wanted to destroy the people who had wronged me.  However, it isn’t worth it.”

He said, “I will wait three, even four years before I act upon my revenge.”

I said, “It’s not worth it.  You can either plant seeds and grow your harvest or you can chase the birds away.  If you chase the birds away, you can’t plant seeds.”

He said, “I don’t want the birds to eat my seeds though!!  Those bastards!  They always pick up my seeds and eat them.”

I responded, “Some birds will eat your seeds. A drought may take away and drown some of your seeds.  The heat of the summer sun may destroy the roots of another.  However, you must keep planting.  If you keep planting, then something will eventually grow.  Outside influences will always attempt to take you down.  Some will succeed.  Others will not.  Nonetheless, if you keep planting, you will soon have a crop.”

He said “Wild animals may eat some of my crops.”

I stated, “So be it.”

He responded, “But I’ll still have more than enough.  I see I see.”

I concluded, “Of course.  As long as you sow, one day you will reap.  Keep sowing away.  Do not worry about the outside influences of the world.  They will do what they do.  Stay focused on your crop until you are able to harvest your wheat, rice, corn, or whatever it may be.  Then you will be blessed with the opportunity to reap your rewards for all your hard effort.  If farmers can do it, then so can you.”

He sincerely stated, “I need to become greater… A better human.  One day, I hope we can go on a spiritual journey together.  I want to learn to find our true selves, give people strength to others, and make a difference in this world.”

Forgive and move on.  It’s hard.  However, it is what is necessary to become better.  To release yourselves to the self destruction they have caused you to replay in your mind.  The feelings of betrayal hurt.  However, they had an ulterior motive.  You were just in the way of their personal goals.  It wasn’t anything personal.  Just let it go.

If you can’t let it go, then do this instead.  Give thanks those who did you wrong.  They unknowingly made you strong.

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Originally posted on Quora.

Leonard Kim is Managing Partner at InfluenceTree. At InfluenceTree, Leonard and his team teach you how to build your (personal or business) brand, get featured in publications and growth hack your social media following.