Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word

“I’m sorry.” It’s amazing how much hurt or pain or frustration or anger is lifted off one’s shoulders when this statement is offered up as a personal sacrifice and a balm used to ease a bruised ego or upset heart. When was the last time you told someone that you were sorry, that you apologize for harming their well-being? I am always surprised at how easy it is for us to say “I’m sorry” in the day-to-day happenings such as when we forget to return a pen or paperclip to a co-worker that we borrowed from their desk. Or when we interrupt someone’s conversation. Or when we take a bit too much time at the McDonald’s drive-thru trying to find the exact change for your Southern Style Chicken Sandwich with extra pickles & and large Triple Thick Vanilla Milk Shake.*
Nevertheless, such trivial episodes in our lives for whatever reason elicit this weighty statement. However, when we hurt someone, whether intentionally or not, we seem to lose the capacity to issue this statement that is otherwise so easy to say. Why is it that the moments in which our whole being should submit an apology, we choke?

“I’m sorry” has saved friendships, relationships, and families. It’s yielded perspective and alternatives during situations where neither party wanted to compromise. It’s enabled our common humanity in times of war and chaos. It’s initiated dialogue between various peoples & nations. It’s ended arguments that may never have suffered resolution. It’s created peace.

“I’m sorry” is so profound a statement that it not only eases our spirits when we hear it from someone who has wronged us; but, it also comforts us when we apologize to ourselves. When was the last time you told yourself that you were sorry? For not acknowledging your abilities and talents? For succumbing to fear, gossip, or negativity? For not enabling your potential? For not listening to your conscience? For not respecting yourself? For not being AUTHENTIC? (ßreal talk.)

Let’s make this interactive. Today check me out on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/envyoftheworld. Within your realm of comfort, tell me some of the people or situations or issues for which you wish to apologize. Start with yourself first. For instance, your message will go as follows:

“I’m sorry: 1. B/C I chose not to prepare for my tests. 2. B/C I underestimated the parentals & their awesomeness. 3. B/C I haven’t accomplished as much recreational reading as I know I have time to accomplish.”

Now, if you don’t Tweet, please feel free to leave a comment in the same format. However you choose to participate or if not at all, please know that we are all entitled to an apology if someone harms us or if we harm ourselves. Take some time to apologize to yourself and to someone. And the next time you say “I’m sorry,” please realize the power you hold. It’s mighty.

Till next time…

Stay up. Stay real. Stay AUTHENTIC.

mic

Mic on Mondays: Without Love...

Good day, AUTHENTIC!

With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching and we (That's right! Your boy has a Valentine this year...sickening, right?) are putting the last minute touches on our special weekend to honor our relationship/booship/bootycall/ho' on the side, you might want to think about doing a little something extra to honor those who simply seek to survive in spite of the politics of love in our capitalist society. Ending world hunger and homelessness are two very overwhelming world issues that require our aid. Aid that is tangible. Servitude is one of the most selfless acts of love and encouragement we all can offer with little to no cost to us. So...because I really dig AUTHENTIC, I figured I would share a really dynamite idea with you.

withoutlove.org is a wonderful site and organization dedicated to encouraging the public to offer their love this Valentine's Day. They say, "Think Globally. Act Locally." One way in which to show your love locally and still effect change globally is to take a small brown bag of non-perishable items to your local food bank. You'd be surprised at how much love you will be sending someone's way. Hershey kisses that add to your love handles and roses that die within a week are momentary. A warm meal that a fellow human being might not have had without your love for their humanity is lasting tangible love. You may even want to prepare a Valentine's Day plate for an elderly widow or widower whose beloved has died. You could even call the parentals and say thank you for their love. Without their love, whether it was momentary, forever, or a lapse in judgement, you are it's product. And I don't know about you, but Mic loves his life, so I will definitely be saying thank you for the parentals going half on this baby.

AUTHENTIC please take a moment this Valentine's Day to honor not only romantic love, but familial love and love for humanity in some way that may best use your AUTHENTICITY.

Till next time...

get love. get life. get AUTHENTIC.

-mic