Is it too late now to say sorry? I say, why say it in the first place?
There are many articles written about how women will say they are sorry far more times than men do. Women are often “people pleasers” by nature, and we hate to feel as if we have upset others. The one article that stuck with me said that women should stop apologizing for things, especially when it’s not their fault. When someone bumps into a woman, she will often say I’m sorry, even when it’s not her fault at all. I noticed that my teenage daughter was one of those females that would instantly say “I’m sorry” even when it was not at all her fault. I try to point it out so she sees that she doesn’t have to always assume that things are her fault or be auto programmed to apologize all the time. I’m trying to raise her to be a strong, confident lady!
How many times have you said you are sorry for something that’s not your fault? Do you do it at work? Do you do it at home? Do you do it in life? Do you live in the fear of offending other people with your thoughts or actions? Do you worry that your life choices are not the ones that others wanted?
My whole life I lived knowing that I had let my parents down because I didn’t become a doctor. I still sometimes think, if only I had become a doctor then I wouldn’t have (insert problem here). Then I remember that I have lived a fantastic life full of amazing stories, experiences, and people that I’ve met. My life has been eclectic, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way! But I lived with that feeling of wanting to say I’m sorry for SO MANY years. It’s only been in the last few years that I totally shook it off and felt proud of the path I took. If only I had learned to not apologize for making my own choices, MY own choices, and trusting that it would lead me exactly to where I needed to be- right here, right now, able to help others embrace their own choices and stop saying I’m sorry.
So, I’m sorry; I’m not sorry for choosing to be a wild and free raver in my 20’s and own a store. I’m not sorry that I didn’t go to grad school when my father wanted me too, but instead went years later when I was really ready and could appreciate it. I’m not sorry I didn’t follow their conservative choices, because I love having pink hair and a pierced nose. I’m not sorry I met both of my husbands in the wee hours of the night in dark parties, and that I have had friends that were homeless and those that are doctors. We all chose our path in life, so stop apologizing if someone bumps into you along that journey.
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