i apologize. AP exams happened.

Just wanted to say “hey!” to the blog and inform anyone reading that I will be posting more since online school is over. I keep getting random ideas here and there, and I think this will be an excellent summer time hobby.

Even though this post is more of an update, I wanted to write a little bit on a topic I’ve been thinking about: apologizing.

As seen in the title, the first words I wanted to write to readers was a form of “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to keep up with posts while studying.” It was an apology, but in the apology came an excuse.

I believe there are two types of apologies: ones we make for others and ones we make for ourselves.

The latter is typically in the form of an excuse. “I’m sorry. I was busy hanging with my family.” “I am so sorry. I just saw your text because I have had no service.” “Omg my deepest apologies. I wrote this last week and never sent it.” No matter the form, we must validate why we were not able to complete a task, remember a favor, or respond to a text. And while we think this is to benefit the other person, it usually ultimately benefits ourselves.

I do this all of the time. I have to explain why I did the “thing” wrong. I have to first apologize and then come up with an excuse. I must validate my choice. I must not let another person down. I must show why I am so sorry for making mistakes and find something to blame them on.

At what point can I just own up?

The question is how do I do that. I think owning up comes in the form of action. Talk to the person immediately. DO the task even if it is late. Admit to struggle instead of finding an excuse to a mistake. Keep the mouth shut and listen for the next step.

I think that is the more courageous thing to do.

And yes, I understand that it is necessary to apologize when we have done something wrong. There are moments when we, ourselves, have hurt someone. However, when an action has not hurt anyone except ourselves, there is probably no need to apologize to another person about it!

Maybe the reason the phrase “I’m sorry” has lost its meaning is due to humans misusing it. Maybe instead of the excuses, we can be courageous enough to own up through action. Maybe instead of self-validation, we go back to using the phrase “I’m sorry” for its true purpose: being sorry for someone else, not ourselves.

That way when the time comes....when a neighbor loses a family member...when a friend’s dog is sick...when a sibling is struggling...We can say “I am sorry.”

And it will be enough.