THE SHADOWS OF MY SOUL; HARNESSING THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF HATRED

In the depths of my being, there lies a darkness—hatred—a force I have long deemed

forbidden. It slithers forth, adorned with a menacing horn, eager to engulf me. I refused

to succumb to its allure for so long, but no more. In this article, I will embark on a

journey of self-discovery, exploring the potential for transformation, catharsis, and even

compassion within the act of confronting what I hate.

When confronted with emotions of hatred, I've preferred to avert my gaze, focusing

instead on the mundane yet enchanting aspects of the world around me. But recently,

the writings of James Baldwin, a writer who unabashedly confronted his own hatred,

have served as a revelation. Baldwin laughed scornfully in the face of his own darkness,

igniting a spark within me. Drawing inspiration from Baldwin, I yearn to wield my pen

against what I hate, to hold my head high and unburden myself from the guilt that has

held me captive. By confronting my grievances, I believe I can uncover a new dimension

of truth, pushing the boundaries set by societal expectations. Through the power of

storytelling, I can narrate the story of my strife; unravel the tangled webs of animosity

and seek reconciliation within myself.

For too long, I have allowed my writing to shy away from the darkness that resides

within. No more! This is a concrete example of how I have begun to embrace this

confrontation. Rather than simply describing the weather or the enchantment of

Istanbul, I now dare to write about the moments that incite my anger—the injustice, the

inequality, the systemic flaws that plague our society. By doing so, I not only shed light

on these issues but I also begin to understand them on a deeper level.

Through this new approach, I have discovered that in confronting what I hate, there lies

the potential for transformation. It is through shining a light upon the darkest corners of

my soul that I truly learn to appreciate the beauty of light. By delving into my hatred, I

unearth dormant seeds of love and compassion. I realize that confronting hatred is an

act of defiance, a means of liberation, and a declaration of my own sovereignty.

In conclusion, my journey of embracing my own hatred has been profound. By

confronting what I hate, I have found catharsis, transformation, and the potential for

growth. As writers, we must not shy away from the shadows within us, but instead,

illuminate them with our words. Through this act of courageous confrontation, we can

discover the power to transcend personal limitations and foster a deeper understanding

of ourselves and the world around us.

BELLO VICTORIA