Forgiveness and apologizing feel very similar to me. They seem to carry the energies of confidence and love. Gandhi is spot on with his notion that forgiveness is an attribute of the strong, I think he would agree that so is being able to say I’m sorry. Some believe that forgiveness and appologizing indicate some kind of weakness in the idividual. John Wayne was quoted as saying “Never apologize, mister, it’s a sign of weakness.” But I think that real weakness is being afraid to say I’m sorry for fear of appearing weak or wrong. But I would also say that forgiveness is an attribute of only the most noble of characters. It expresses confidence in yourself and a loving attitude toward others. It is easy to say “I’m sorry” and not mean it, but you can’t fake forgiveness. Forgiveness or a lack of forgiveness shows up in our interactions with each other.
The person who has the courage to say I’m sorry or leave transgressions behind is a person who shows a kind of inner confidence and strength that we all can have. When you understand who you are, and you see how you may have caused pain or suffering in the world, especially when you feel it yourself, then an apology and forgiveness are simply reflections of the confidence and love that you hold within you. What I reflect outward toward all those I interact with, is who I have decided to become in that moment. Who am I in these moments? I must be love. I must maintain the consistency of who I am. I am love. I am joy. I am good. And I do this not for others, but for my wellbeing. I am just so happy that others will always share in what I have to offer.
