Wow.. I'm sorry it's been so long!

January 6, 2017

I know that when I was growing up whenever I did something wrong I had to say that I was sorry. I also was taught that you give some kind of recognition and forgiveness in that moment. It didn't matter how awkward the situation was or if you said it with a scowl on your face, you just did it. If you didn't I am sure you'd be sorry later.

I've spent a lot of time thinking about apologizing with the new year taking over. The thing that they don't teach you when you're growing up is that it's not just a one time thing. The reality is that sometimes it takes us a while to learn and it's not fair to only apologize for your mistake once or only to one person. It never mattered to our parents how many times we'd done the exact same thing, we just had to say it our we'd end up with our butts in time out.

As much as I have thought about apologizing I have spent more time thinking about forgiveness. Thinking about how I have forgiven the same person over and over again for the exact same thing. How it could be years from when I last forgave someone and a similar situation happens and it sparks those feelings again. You just learn to associate your current feelings with situations you've previously had, especially if you haven't completely healed from the last experience.

Forgive every day.

Forgive the person that flipped you off as they cut you off. Forgive the person you just saw that was your high school classmate and barely acknowledged your existence. Forgive the person that offended you on social media. Forgive and apologize to anyone that you have negative thoughts about or towards. They don't even have to be out loud.

Just for your peace of mind apologize and forgive.

When I was little I rarely meant it when I apologized or forgave someone because I was still mad, but I said it anyway. Looking back it was so easy to move forward when I apologized right away or I forgave someone right away. I think that's why we're taught to apologize and forgive in the moment.

Just lay everything out on the table, take what you need, and walk away from the rest.

In all honesty that may be your only opportunity to apologize because life is so incredibly unpredictable.

No more wasted time this year. Forgive in an instant and constantly. Apologize the moment that you are wrong and don't leave anything to fate. It's time for all of us to take charge. Starting with how we treat others and ourselves.