The Reflection in the Mirror

 

Mr. Okwanyionu was boasting about his abilities again, and I jokingly said, "What a man can do..." Before I could even finish, he responded sharply, "A lazy woman cannot."

It's funny how much I enjoy my father's company these days—his teasing, jokes, and even our arguments. For someone who hardly ever got along with him, it's honestly surprising. Over time, I’ve realized that we didn’t see eye to eye because we’re so alike. Ironically, all the traits I disliked about my father are glaringly present in me. It's as if I’m some modern-day, feminine version of Mr. Okwanyionu. 😂

This got me thinking about how we often become the very thing we dislike. Like my coach once said, "It’s largely unscientific to hate what you do not understand."

Why does something annoy you? How does it annoy you? Is it truly annoying, or is there more to it? When you carefully question the things you dislike—or the people you don’t get along with—you might discover that what bothers you about them also lives in you.

Dearest reader, have you ever found yourself disliking someone’s habit, only to later realize you’re guilty of the same thing?

Understanding why you clash with something is crucial. It’s like the abuse stories I read: a son hates his father for abusing his mother but grows up to become an abuser himself. In his hatred, he does himself a disservice by failing to understand, heal, and forgive his father, something that could have saved him.

Happy Sunday! Did you make it to church today?

@favvy_Okwans🖤.