Sunday night thoughts…

My 2 year old daughter recently started saying the word “sorry”. It’s been precious because she has been using it in context, if she accidentally bonks her brother, or steps on the dogs tail. Tonight though, her dad accidentally walked right into her as she was bolting around the house and she said “sorry Daddy!” and continued on her way.

I don’t want to be the mom who makes every single thing a lesson but I couldn’t help it this time. I sat down with her and told her she never needed to say sorry for her presence. Her existence is a blessing and she did not need to apologize for it.

I remember when I finally learned this lesson… I was 27 years old believe it or not. I remember the day vividly.

There was an older gentleman, I think he was a lawyer, who worked at my very formal shared office space. He would seemingly walk out of his office every day at the same time I would jet out toward the lobby for lunch. We would come to a screeching halt in the narrow hallway as we were headed opposite directions. At each interaction, I would apologize profusely for being in his way & let him pass, until one day, I just stopped and said…

“Excuse me.”

Excuse me. That was all. No apology. He acquiesced, and I passed by.

I never said sorry after that.

I doubt my daughter will remember our little conversation, but I absolutely will, and I will keep reminding her as she grows what a blessing her presence is.

Where am I going with this? Well, I’ll tell you.

I had a friend encourage me the other day to not be a passenger in my conversations. He reminded me that I have permission to take control, and I absolutely should. It was a much welcomed reminder. I was still “apologizing” for existing, just not in the same way. It’s funny how those things you think you’ve mastered sometimes still show up in unexpectedly. I’m so grateful for colleagues who will challenge and champion me, and for mentors I can learn and glean from.

So, cheers to being a driver!