It seems that as a society we’ve been taught and allowed to believe that there is no culpability for our actions - and if we do something wrong, there’s obviously some extenuating factor that drove us to our wrongness. It’s wonderful to hear that YES, being personally responsible is finding root in our world again.

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Oh, thank you. And welcome to the blog. I do hope you drop by again. ~W

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It is the halo thing, isn’t it? And thank you. These are words I’ve been trying to write for 3 months. It’s good to get them out and for them to be so well received. ~W

We do seem to add more prefacing and explanation and defense as we age, eh? Great example of the power of a true apology, acceptance of that apology, and the continuation of life.

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Thanks, Katie. ~W

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You are incorrigible! However, you should give lessons on satire. ~W

Also, I have to tell you… Ever since i started accepting that I am in fact wrong sometimes, and accepting with my heart, that I am truly sorry, things seem easier. Everything is less uptight. I am calmer. I am not alwyas right, I don’t always have to have a reason. And sometimes, I am just plain sorry. And that is when the heaviness gets lifted…

Thank you for sharing such valuable sentiments!!! xoxo

(ps: I got a new computer. It is going to let us be friends allt he time now, it is MUCh faster :))))

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Oh Wooohoo! Vanessa is back. I’ve missed you. I’m so glad you have a new computer that can read me, it’s very odd to not have you chiming in from time to time. I do think there is real freedom in accepting when we are wrong and running with just that. ~W

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That can be a difficult dynamic. I think for some people, it is easier to demonstrate their contrition than to say it. You know? And that’s a whole different post. ~W

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Thank you! And you’re right. What is it about taking responsibility for another’s poor actions? It’s weird and I totally agree. ~W

The power of an apology can be huge. But, sometimes it’s diluted by overuse. I have a student who misbehaves and then rushes out with “Sorrysorrysorrysorrysorry.” I have banned him from saying it. It doesn’t excuse behavior when it isn’t meant. As I was reading your post, I realized that he listened to me and he’s stopped saying that repetitive, meaningless phrase. I need to talk to him tomorrow about the power of a real apology and the intention to change your ways behind it. Maybe he’ll listen to that too. Fingers crossed!

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Fingers crossed! I know what you mean about the “sorrysorrysorry” kid. I used to work in a preschool and we had a 3 year old who had no compunction about hauling off and hitting some kid and then, “I sawee, I sawee”. Heh. She was a menace on the play ground. We too banned that word. But you know, at 10… it should be a different game. Honestly, I don’t think these lessons should have to fall to teachers. But sadly, it often does. From where I sit, there are a few “life lessons” that need to be absorbed EARLY—taking responsibility without justification is right there at the top! Blessings with your kiddo. I have faith you’ll get through to him. And you know, he’s going to be a happier adult because of you! ~W

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I’m not sure what the “cool” response to that is, so I’ll just say, “Dude!” ~W

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You’re welcome, Kat. ~W