It’s not too late to apologize.

Disclaimer: This article does not attempt to discredit the song Too Late To Apologize by One Republic. This topic is exclusive to personal development.

Have you hurt someone and can’t bring yourself to apologize and really mean it?

When was the last time you apologized wholeheartedly to someone?

As easy as it sounds, saying three simple words I AM SORRY requires courage and humility. We often connote saying I am sorry with the admission of guilt, surrendering a fight; people who say “I am sorry” are thought of as weaklings.

I believe it’s never too late to apologize (sincerely), even if the other parties involved can’t come to terms with forgiveness.

Humility is a virtue required for personal growth or development. There will be times when it’s required for you to take the first step towards reconciliation with your friend, family, colleagues e.t.c. You may not always be the one who is at fault, but saying I am sorry signifies maturity and you have been mellowed by age and time. Once again, it’s not too late to apologize.

A few reasons we find it hard apologizing are as follows:

We think highly of ourselves and feel we are better off than the other party concerned, so there isn’t a need to apologize.

The self-righteous mentality affects us. We paint ourselves as perfect people who can’t do anything wrong.

There’s a general belief it is a sign of weakness and people who apologize have bowed under pressure.

It’s raising the white flag signifying surrender. Surrendering in the context of admitting you are not perfect and you were wrong.

Our gigantic egos, which are as big/round as the earth, prevent us from saying I am sorry(sincerely).

We don’t want to be seen as meek lambs being afraid of the big bad wolf.

We are opportunists taking every single opportunity to hurt another person, deriving pleasure in their sufferings.

Theres a lack of respect for people because we think we possess more clout.

We are apprehensive that our apologies won’t be accepted and feel people will make jest of our actions.

Most of our moral values have been thrown into the dustbin.

Indeed, when you say I am sorry�, you reach across touching people’s lives. Remember it’s never too late to apologize.

Do you know apologizing sincerely, takes off a heavy burden of hurt, disappointment, from the other party?

Are you aware saying I am sorry and being sincere about it, lets go of the ill-feelings, grudges, bitterness that are hidden within you?

Genuine repentance brings relief, happiness and gives you a feeling of liberation.

A few reasons why it’s not too late to apologize (sincerely) are as follows:

It is a wonderful healing process giving you peace of mind, bringing comfort and relief to the other parties concerned.

It’s a learning experience depicting maturity, indicating you place high values on keeping positive relationships.

It boosts self-confidence.

There’s a burden lifted off your shoulder.

It enables you summon the courage to deal with guilt, admitting you were wrong.

It rekindles love and friendships.

It opens a door for repentance, providing the opportunity to grow morally and spiritually.

It gives you an opportunity to become a better person.

It sets you free from all the hurts, pains, bitterness harbored within you.

Once again it’s never too late to apologize.

We’ve talked about why we don’t apologize, the benefits of apologizing; it’s time to deal with how we should apologize.

Don’t sleep on your guilt. Offer apologies the first instance you have, before the situation gets out of hand.

In admitting mistakes, don’t put the blame on someone else. Avoid making scapegoats of unsuspecting people.

If you intend apologizing, make sure it’s genuine, from the heart, not forced or coerced knowing you seek forgiveness because it is the right thing to do.

Learn from your mistakes and try your best to avoid committing them again.

Go ahead; apologize to people you have knowingly or unknowingly hurt.

Call your dad, mum, sister, brother, boss, friend, co-worker, son, or daughter, tell them these three simple words I am sorry

Start building your relationships again.

Is it really too late to apologize?

I look forward to your comments.

Ayo Olaniyan is a certified Unitive Life Coach. He is also an Accredited Professional Counsellor with the Counselling Society. If you would like to enquire about personal and professional one-to-one coaching sessions, or to invite me for a speaking engagement, please complete this form.