I am not sure why, but for some reason, I am able to write my best pieces, focus my most energy, and unlock inspiration better when I go through an emotionally charged situation.
Are you that way as well?
So this post is because of a situation that recently happened to me. You think you know people, and then their actions show you exactly where their priorities lie. And the crazy thing, it isn’t the first time. It’s just the last time and the biggest moment that brings an end to an era. I had to block phone numbers to just ensure I would have peace of mind for 24 hours. Once I unblocked them, and things had cooled down, and situations had smoothed over slightly, I get that one random text that is 1/2 apology, 1/2 excuses and it inspired me to write this blog post below because then the part of my brain that sees the value in helping someone else go through a similar struggle is suddenly unlocked.
All a person has to do is sincerely apologize, and many problems could be resolved quickly. Apologies have so much healing power in them. But when they are laced with excuses, they do not remove the pain, they do not mend the heart. They do however, leave the person feeling still somewhat offended, and in the back of the mind always wondering if it would happen again.
Why is that?
Because those 3 simple steps were not followed.
Think back to a hurt. How would it have ended or not ended if those steps would have been handled?
I get it, it’s hard when you’re the offender. It’s so so hard. I really do get it. I have had to swallow my pride and follow it. It’s a tough one. But you know what happened; peace. We are still cordial. We are still friends. We still get along. And it was so worth it.
But that is not always how things work out, is it?
So many people think the words “but”, and “this is why”, and “because” are apologies. But those are excuses to make themselves feel better for their actions, so when you accept, they can have a clear conscience for their actions. Those actions were not yours, and you do not need to make up for them, so be careful what is said when someone gives you an apology.
A sincere apology doesn’t need any other words then, “I am sorry, I messed up, how can I make it right”.
That sentence right there is the most powerful apology in the world. Yet, the hardest thing for people to say because their pride is more important than the apology.
Be cautious and watch for these things. Make sure you are not just clearing someone’s conscious and that you are actually accepting a true apology.
The pay off:
If the apology is sincere, they mean it and will likely never repeat it.
If the apology has excuses, the behavior will likely repeat.
See yourself as valuable. Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle.
🔹Where is one area in your life where you need to give an apology using these 3 steps?
🔹What would have your situation looked like if the last hurt you experienced ended with these 3 steps?
🔹What is something you can do to grow in this area (if needed) so when you make a mistake, you can sincerely apologize.