Forgiveness and stuff
I've always been a big advocate for forgiveness and making amends. Sometimes it's more than just saying you're sorry for something that was done or said, but truly moving forward to better things. I find that I tend to get reflective and want to apologize to people at certain times of the year or after something drastic has happened. To me, this is normal. But what does it feel like to the person receiving the attempt at making amends?
In Judaism, there is a holiday (more accurately a Holy Day) called Yom Kippur which translates into Day of Atonement. It occurs 8 days after Rosh Hashanah (the new year) and is a day of nothing but asking for forgiveness for that year's sins. It's a very reflective and solemn day but at sunset you are sealed in the Book of Life for the past year and get a clean slate. It's a time of year that I always try to reach out to people I feel I've wronged and make an attempt at patching things up.
Humans are flawed (I've definitely said this more than once). We say and do things that hurt other people. Even someone with the kindest heart can slip up. But that's where putting your pride aside and reaching out can make a difference. Whether the person on the other end is receptive to it or not is not your call to make. You cannot force someone to forgive you or want to start over. All you can do is try to be the bigger person and make the first move. Once that's done, it's in their hands. You've done all you can. I tend to be an over-apologizer and say I'm sorry quite a bit. But reaching out to make amends takes more than just a few words. It takes an open heart and vulnerability.
With the holidays sneaking up on us, let's all be more open to whatever kindness comes our way. Let's lead with open hearts and put our pride away for maybe just a little bit. Good things might happen if we do.
- Danielle
In Judaism, there is a holiday (more accurately a Holy Day) called Yom Kippur which translates into Day of Atonement. It occurs 8 days after Rosh Hashanah (the new year) and is a day of nothing but asking for forgiveness for that year's sins. It's a very reflective and solemn day but at sunset you are sealed in the Book of Life for the past year and get a clean slate. It's a time of year that I always try to reach out to people I feel I've wronged and make an attempt at patching things up.
Humans are flawed (I've definitely said this more than once). We say and do things that hurt other people. Even someone with the kindest heart can slip up. But that's where putting your pride aside and reaching out can make a difference. Whether the person on the other end is receptive to it or not is not your call to make. You cannot force someone to forgive you or want to start over. All you can do is try to be the bigger person and make the first move. Once that's done, it's in their hands. You've done all you can. I tend to be an over-apologizer and say I'm sorry quite a bit. But reaching out to make amends takes more than just a few words. It takes an open heart and vulnerability.
With the holidays sneaking up on us, let's all be more open to whatever kindness comes our way. Let's lead with open hearts and put our pride away for maybe just a little bit. Good things might happen if we do.
- Danielle
