I’m sorry, a phrase I find frequently in my mouth. I’m sorry to the man I dance around on the train platform. I’m sorry to the man I’m standing in front of at the Starbucks counter. It’s definitely a phrase I use far too often but there are some very particular situations that, as of today I’m trying to stop apologizing for.
My Appearance
How many people have posted an Instagram story and started it with “Excuse my appearance…” or met up with a friend for coffee after a yoga class and greeted them with “Sorry I don’t have any makeup on” I have been guilty of this far too often. Now often times it’s just in jest to keep things light but it needs to stop. If I’m having a lousy day I’m going to wear what I want and maybe that’s no makeup and sweatpants. On the flip side, fashion is an expression of your personality and should be a celebration of you. If should never be something you’re ‘sorry’ for.
My Feelings
As many of my friends and loved ones can contest to I am a very emotional person. I wear my heart on my sleeve, happy, sad, or disappointed you can read how I feel the moment you see my face. But oftentimes I find myself apologizing for being an emotional person. For sharing how I feel or even having those feelings. You should never be sorry for being sad or happy or even disappointed in any situation. Its how you communicate those feelings to others that is important, and if misdirected what the apology should be for. You can be disappointed in a situation but instead of jumping on the person you’re disappointed in or disagree with talking to them calmly is the best way to handle those feelings.
Saying No
As a recovering people pleaser, this is still and probably will always be the biggest hurdle I have to overcome. I will agree to so many things I really don’t want to do just to make others happy. But sometimes it is better to say no than to sit through something you really don’t want to do. It’s ok to not want to do things and it’s definitely ok to say so. You don’t need to come up with lies you can simply say you don’t want to do it.
Asking For Help
Being independent is a very honorable trait. Being comfortable doing things on your own and being confident in your skillset is so admirable but knowing you need help is also a really fantastic trait to have. You should be able to ask for help when you need it and never feel like you need to apologize for accepting help from others. I am no good with cars and sometimes I have a hard time turning the lid on the pickle jar. I shouldn’t be bashful
Being Myself
Finally being myself is something I will never apologize for. From how I feel to who I am, the way I style my outfits, the way I laugh far too loud at times. I will never apologize for who I am. Everyone is unique, you should never apologize for not being just like everyone else. If everyone in the world was, all the same, it would be so boring. Being you is exciting and you should never feel guilty for being yourself or being confident as such.