Description

We don't think it's too big a mystery why apologizing requires courage. We're admitting we were wrong, that we hurt someone. We're taking ownership and responsibility. We're opening ourselves up to the possibility that our apology won't be accepted, that the relationship won't be fixed, that there could be an AWKWARD CONVERSATION. 

You may have heard "Love means never having to say you're sorry," but that is DEAD WRONG. In a healthy relationship, saying you're sorry when you've hurt someone is vital. Not apologizing is not an option if you want deep, authentic, healthy meaningful relationships where both parties feel safe.

By apologizing, you are able to:

• Acknowledge that you were wrong.
  
• Discuss what is allowed and not allowed in your relationship.
  
• Express your regret and remorse.
  
• Learn from your mistakes and find new ways of dealing with difficult situations.
  
• Open up a line of communication with the other person.
  

How to move toward a tough apology:

• Is there someone you can talk to about it? Get support and accountability
  
  
• Write out what you want to say, role play (though stay open to it not going that way) - helps to have a plan
  
  
• Pep talk yourself - acknowledge how hard it is to yourself, what results you’re hoping for, and how you can prepare yourself if expectations aren’t met
  
  
• Have an aftercare plan for yourself...steps of courage can be really draining!
  
  
• Remember: who do YOU want to be? Focus on WHY this is important to do
  
  

Take away: Being a good human means we take the courageous step and apologize when we have hurt others.

Action step: Take stock: how are you at apologizing? Is there an apology you’ve been avoiding or now realize you need to make? What’s one thing you can do to move toward that?

Need even more encouragement? Get 14 Days of Courage at www.thecostiscourage.com

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