I know it is difficult to even consider that your haters may be right. When someone is judging you the last thing you want to consider is that they may be on to something. I am not saying that those who criticize you are always right, however, let’s look at things from a different angle. I am going to thank some of my haters, right here, on this public platform, to show you that it is possible to learn something positive from the haters in your life.

First, I want to thank the man who said to me when I was a pregnant seventeen-year-old, “Your poor baby. Your child is going to suffer for your mistake. He will live in poverty all his life. You will be nothing more than a welfare mom.” Thank you for giving me the motivation to get an education so that I could provide for my baby a life other than living on welfare. Thank you for giving me the fire to prove you and many others that my child, a sweet girl, not a boy baby, by the way, will grow up to be successful and educated as well. Now, she is a thriving adult, fabulous mother and on her way to a master’s degree.

Second, thank you to that friend who turned her back on me when I needed her. Thank you for showing me that not everyone who says they are on my side is on my side. Thank you for showing me that real friends are few and users are many. It isn’t always easy to see them, but give them time, they will show themselves for who they really are. Thank you for making me see that I am enough for those who truly love me for me and not what I can do for them.

Third, thank you to that person who looked at me up and down and then said, “Why do you dress like that? Why do you have tattoos? You should do your hair differently.” You showed me that I am a unique individual. I know that not everyone approves of my lifestyle. Yout condensation showed me that I am brave to be me. I am not for everyone, but those who love me don’t mind.

The next time you get frustrated at someone who is treating you with disrespect, arrogance, or right out using you. Step up and learn the lesson. Thank that person. Forgive them, but don’t you ever forget how they made you feel.

Take their negativity and turn it into positivity for your life. Trust me, the haters hate it when you use them for good.

~Lori O’Gara