I’m sorry.
I’ll be the first to admit that I say this…
All. The. Time.
I know I do …
And I’ve been told I do..
I even say I’m sorry for things that are not in my control….
not my fault…
or have nothing to do with me. .
Maybe it’s my anxiety?
Or feeling less than or not good enough sometimes?
Honestly, I’m not sure why…
But I had a conversation with a friend recently and she really got me thinking …
She said, instead of saying “I’m sorry” ..
Try replacing it with “thank you”
My first thought was …
How in the world do you do that???
As we kept talking she gave examples like …
If you’re late for meeting a friend for lunch, instead of saying “I’m sorry I’m late”
Try saying “thank you for waiting”
We’ve actually talked about this a few times here and there since then too…
Sometimes even joking around about it and making each other smile and laugh.
I mean, that’s what friends are for right!?
I’m sharing this because maybe you are a person who finds yourself saying “I’m sorry” far too often too?
And I want you to know that I’m trying this new way of thinking/ speaking. ..
It’s not that I’m not “sorry”
But replacing some of them with “thank you” has really changed my mind set.
On hard days, when it feels like everything has gone wrong, and I’m struggling with patience and remaining calm….
I say “thank you” to my hubby for being patient with me ..
Or I thank him for helping me during the tough moments and being my strength when I’m weak.
On days our son is having a meltdown in the middle of the store and a stranger offers a helping hand…
Instead of apologizing first, I’m going to say “thank you for your kindness” or “thank you for your help”
The next time I have a video chat with my friend and I’m crying about feeling defeated.. or lost…
or sad…
Instead of saying “I’m sorry” …
I’m going to thank her for listening. ..
I’m going to thank her for being a good friend and for being there for me..
And the next time I feel like I am failing at motherhood..
I’m going to thank my children for their support and for loving mommy through it.
Because I’m not perfect ..
I’m human ..
Just like you!
And It’s hard my friends …
Saying “I’m sorry” comes so naturally to me…
But I’m trying..
And I’m loving this new mind set.
