Apologies

A common struggle for many people is the ability to apologize for their mistakes. It can be challenging to acknowledge that you have done or said something that has harmed someone else. Whenever we make a mistake, it never feels right to us, and it can trigger feelings of shame within us. Your relationships with others can be strengthened if you are willing to apologize for your mistakes. By taking responsibility, you become a safe person for people who have been hurt by what you have said or done. Recognizing your mistakes and taking responsibility for them is a challenge and can be extremely uncomfortable, as you are vulnerable. Whenever you apologize, you are healing a wound you created between yourself and another person, and working on your growth in the process. 

Apologies create trust between people and allow for the formation of strong healthy relationships. It is imperative to use the experience you are apologizing for as a stepping stone to self-growth and allow yourself to be open-minded throughout the process. You can always say you are sorry, but if you don’t take full responsibility for your mistakes and actively make a change, you are not truly apologetic. To truly be sorry, you must show it. 

There are times you accidentally do or say something that hurts someone. Regardless of your intention, if another person was harmed by you it matters. If you aren’t sure what you said or did that impacted them, create a dialogue and ask for clarity. Create a space for them to share why they felt hurt by your words and actions. Don’t attempt to defend yourself in those moments. That will limit their ability to share how they feel. This isn't the moment to focus on yourself, but on the other person. Allow the energy of your conversation to flow between you both. Open yourself up to learning and understanding. If someone is hurt by you, only you can repair that relationship. Never be afraid to take responsibility for your actions and say sorry.