From time to time we all mess it up. We make bad calls and our judgment isn’t perfect. And if you’re anything like me, knowing you’ve done something wrong, hurt someone, let them down or disappointed them is a horrible feeling. Guilt and regret are two of my least favourite emotions. They can make or break you. But you see I believe that it is possible to be the comeback kid by doing your part to repair the damage. It will take time, effort, prayerl and wise decisions, but sometimes it is just about saying sorry. Forget about the subtleties and the grand gestures. Here are a few tips from someone who’s had to say their fair share of sorries.
Say sorry
It’s hard. It takes swallowing your pride and doing the right thing when you know you’ve first done the wrong thing. Admit what you’ve done, explain if you get the chance but if they don’t want to hear it make sure the one thing they do hear is that you’re sorry.
Give them space
I’ve definitely made the mistake of wanting to paper over the cracks and make sure everything’s ok straightaway, wanting to pick up where you left off. Sometimes though, that’s not possible. People need time to process the sorry, calm down and forgive you at their own pace- this is not yours to dictate.
Show them you’re sorry
Actions speak a thousand words. Sometimes, if you’re lucky this is easy- flowers, a gift, breakfast or some encouragement. Other times it takes a change of habit or making a special effort to do something new.
Forgive
Forgiveness is central in my life as a Christian. It is at the heartbeat of why and how I can live in freedom. Ask for forgiveness for what you did and then forgive yourself too. It’s incredibly freeing to be able to forgive others, but this extends to us too. Forgiveness is powerful. It helps and it heals.
Move on
Sooner or later you have to. Whatever it looks like, however long it takes move on. You can and you must. Because your potential isn’t defined by this one mistake, your future depends on your ability to bounce back and move on.
Saying sorry is hard. It’s not nice and it’s not easy. But it’s possible and sometimes it’s all it takes. And when it’s not, it’s definitely a good start. Stepping up and taking responsibility is not only brave, it’s empowering. I hope this helps.
By Sara Bennett
TweetMe @Sarallam
Check out her personal blog HERE