Forgiveness & Apologies
We all have flaws and make faults onto others, but should it always be held against us? Especially if we've changed our mindset?
Forgiveness isn't just a religious practice, it's for you to gain peace of mind. It is for you to release a burden that can imprison your heart. We forgive for us. Similar to an apology, many times an apology is more for the person giving it than the one receiving it. They are intended for all parties to feel better. But, sometimes only one side is granted the benefit.
If you are apologizing, what is the purpose? You did something wrong and you want to share your acknowledgment of the disappointment you presented. Yet, the fact that you acknowledged your faults is an unwritten achievement within yourself. So, apologizing is an attempt for others to know that you've already identified what you need to work on.
If you are the one receiving an apology, how does it make you feel? Are you released of the disappointment or do you still feel slighted? In which case, why hold that grudge? Once you get over being hurt, does hearing an apology change anything within you? Within your life? The upside is the fact that you've now heard someone state their flaw.
I'll accept any apology given to me but, if I'm waiting on someone to apologize then I need to question why I'm holding on to that feeling. Why do I need to hear "I'm sorry" to gain closure, peace, or freedom? What good does it do me to "expect" an apology?
I usually forgive before ever hearing an apology.