I’m not sorry - I’m Thankful!!

I’m not sorry - I’m THANKFUL!

I’m sorry!  How many times have I said those words?  I found myself saying it all the time; even for the littlest things.  I’m sorry!  When the phone rings and I put you on hold; also when I returned to the call, I’d say, “I’m sorry!” Sorry for walking in front of you. Sorry for dropping something.  Sorry for using the copier first. Sorry you’re waiting. Sorry for speaking.

I walked in to a busy grocery store.  People and carts were everywhere.  A lady next to me stopped pushing her basket to let me pass with mine.  “I’m sorry!” I said sheepishly as I moved past her.  And then I thought OH MY GOSH! I did it AGAIN!!! Why did I say sorry? Did I really inconvenience her? She LET me pass!  She stopped!  I’m apologizing for crossing her path? I’m apologizing for being there?  I might as well say:

“SORRY FOR LIVING!”

I understand there IS a time and a place to say “I’m sorry!”  I know the definition of sorry is "feeling or expressing regret for an action that has upset or inconvenienced somebody, or is likely to do so"... but is it necessary to say sorry all the time?

Then I realized:

I’m not sorry - I’m Thankful!

Thank you expresses gratitude!  That is what I truly meant to say:  THANK YOU! I’m thankful she stopped and allowed me to pass.  From then on, I started saying “Thank you!” because I was THANKFUL!

I’m not sorry - I’m Thankful!

I’m thankful you were willing to wait when holding on the phone.  I’m thankful you’re my friend.  I’m thankful you’re helping me fix my paper. I’m thankful you stopped and picked something up for me. I’m thankful you let me use the copier first.  I’m thankful you’re waiting. I’m thankful you’re reading this blog!   And if you happen to hold a door open for me, I’m going to walk in with my head held high and look you in the eye and say, “Thank you!”

Since then, I’ve realized saying THANK YOU produces a completely different result… in me and in others.  Many times when I would say sorry, people would have a facial expression or an attitude of “yeah, you should be sorry… you’re putting me out!”  After I started saying “Thank you!” they changed their tune.  They put a smile on their face and it was obvious they felt appreciated.  Their good deed was acknowledged.  And at the same time, I HAD VALUE!  I allowed myself to occupy my space.  It was a definite win-win.

I’m not sorry - I’m Thankful!

I am THANKFUL to be here and I am THANKFUL to be alive!

There are times when saying “I’m sorry” is the appropriate thing to say.  However, many times a sincere “Thank You” will allow both of you to be appreciated.

To Happy Living!

Lisa