While I’m not a fan of revenge, I can understand the satisfaction that comes from growing beyond those who had hurt you in the past. A wave of joy comes roaring from the schadenfreude of overcoming those who stabbed you in the back.

The quote “revenge is a dish best served cold” rings true when your hand is hovering over the airlock button that is begging to launch your enemy into the cold and uncaring vacuum of space. However, we must stay in reality and realize we have gravity in both our words and actions. We cannot solve all of our problems with a violent revenge fantasy and since I’m someone with opinions and an outlet to express them, I would like to share my thoughts on this matter.

While I’m on the topic of philosophical sayings, I would like to add another: “The best revenge is a life fulfilled.” Like all sayings, there are many ways to interpret this. One view is that time heals all wounds and living a happy and full life is the best way to see that through. Those who kicked you while you were down want nothing more than to see you stay there, so rising from the ashes stronger and satisfied with the life you have built in spite of their feeble attempts is the best way to prove them wrong. Both paths are tempting since you can technically do both. Some days you walk the path of nobility and some days you walk the path of positive spite and pettiness.

Every day, without fail, I smile. Not because my life is some glowing ray of joy and fortune, but because I know that I’ve overcome bad times in the past. I smile because I know that I’ve fought my demons and won. I smile because I know that whatever my future throws at me, I will be strong enough to overcome that too. I smile because I know that if I stay on the ground, those who brought those demons into my life will win. Even if it’s out of spite, I will survive and grow stronger and happier.