Two Very Powerful Words

A series of events took place recently that really got me thinking about our place in this world and how we relate to each other, and in those thoughts something seem to hit me like a baseball bat.  There are two words (three if you are really picky) which can change our families, our communities, and even the world.  Those words are I'M SORRY. 

I know it is our nature to hate to admit when we have done something wrong whether intentionally or not, but the power behind those words is worth the humility it requires.  Think of the last time you screwed up at work, how much energy did you spend trying to hide from the error?  Consider the power that you would have had, had you just taken responsibility for the mistake and offered to fix the problem.  I have seen it in action, and have heard from other employees how impressed they were that one person stood up and owned the problem.

It happens in our personal lives with families and friends.  None of us want to admit that we are not perfect but in preserving our own perfection we are hurting those closest to us.  When those two words, I'm sorry, are shared, both sides win.  Instantly any feelings of hurt are washed away and we have humbled our selves by admitting that we too make mistakes.  The person on the receiving end gets more than an apology, they also know that you care about their feelings and value your relationship.

Thinking globally, how many situations occur every day that may simply have been avoided had one side simply said "I'm sorry and we were wrong."  Our human stubbornness kicks in and prevents us from being the one to back down.  How many times have you watched or listened to politicians and known that certain things were agreed upon just so they could save face and not look like they were wrong?

Think about the great comeback stories through out our lives, many of them earned the opportunity to try again by simply saying I'm sorry, I made a mistake, and I need to change.  The list is long and distinguished but a question today is why can't we offer that same opportunity to those closest to us, the not so famous but the oh so more important. 

The road to redemption, whether it is short or long, begins with an apology, but unless it is received with an open heart and mind it ultimately goes nowhere.  It is truly a two way street and one that some of us refuse to travel. 

For those seeking forgiveness, start with a heartfelt apology and for those on the receiving end, remember what is was like for you that last time someone offered to forgive you.  The power is in our hands to change the world with two words.