The Healing Power of an Apology (for you)

Let's face it - We usually do things we later regret because at the time we were:

1. Angry

2. Afraid

3. Selfish

4. Some combination of the above

These are not behaviors that define us, unless we relentlessly cling to our justifications for the behavior, which are always distorted; from a limited or lopsided perspective. If you have hurt or been unkind to someone, and you know it, it's probably worthwhile to take a minute and ask yourself honestly if you may have felt one of the emotions listed there.

So what about the argument that apologizing might undermine your stand on an issue or problem that needs to be addressed, or that it somehow makes you a weak person?

The key is to apologize with the intention of healing yourself.

With this approach, you actually either become much clearer about both your reasons for your position (and then can act from a position of calm conviction instead of upset), or change your stand because your judgment is no longer clouded by fear, anger or defensiveness of selfish motives.

And what could be a greater example of strength than correcting your errors and serving as an example of someone who learns from his own mistakes?