They might hate you.

They might hate you when you stand up for yourself.

They might hate you when you speak up.

They might hate you for stepping back.

Even if you do it graciously.

Even if you do it kindly.

Even if you do it with love.

They might hate when you create some healthy boundaries. They might hate you for not being who they want you to be. They might hate you for holding them accountable, or even for saying something as simple as “hey, this really hurt. Can we talk about it?”

They might hate you for doing the right thing.

They might hate you, and that’s not easy. It’s tough to swallow and it’s hard not to blame yourself and wonder whether you’re the one in the wrong.

It’s not fun to wonder what they’ll say about you behind your back or what false narrative they might share. And it’s especially painful when they’re able to convince other people to paint you in ugly colors as well.

Listen, this is hard to hear and even harder to do, but let them hate you.

Let them misunderstand you.

Let them blame you.

It’s okay.

It’s not true and you can rest in that truth.

Don’t try to prove yourself or convince them of your intentions. Release it. Let it go.

You know your own heart.

And at least, in the end, you won’t hate yourself.

You won’t hate that you knew yourself. You won’t hate that you stood your ground. You won’t hate that you protected your heart.

You won’t hate that you held onto your integrity.

Their opinions…let them have them.

Because at least in the end, you’ll have you.