I can so relate to the ways you've used "I'm sorry" to subvert conflict,keep things moving and not have people mad at you. I felt like I had to keep apologizing because just one wasn't good enough.
Brilliant description of how apologies felt to you as a child.
Today,I make mistakes, and I sometimes need to make amends,but I am not a mistake!
I enjoy the journey through your essays, the way you construct your story and move philosophically from place to place, so often starting with clear memories of childhood. That was a powerful moment with Indianapolis girl...but what a shift through the years to rote apologies that lost all meaning. I can't even imagine the process of that fifth step -- I can't imagine the trust required with the other person. I really can't. I don't know you and can't say "I'm proud of you," but that's what comes to mind.... kudos to you for those steps you have taken. Kudos for stopping apologizing for being. The statement at the meeting .... tell me everything and let me love you anyway..... wow. Unconditional love and acceptance... your story suggests that exists!
Amy, thank you for your thoughtful comment. We don't know each other IRL but I feel as if I do these last weeks. You've been so supportive and eloquent. I love your work and I appreciate your presence in my life!
Thank you for your generous words. I agree, it seems like I know you, and at any rate, I'm glad to be getting to know you through your beautifully crafted essays!
I hadn’t thought of ‘sorry’ as a way of keeping things moving along, but in our crowded busy lives it certainly does. I never used to say it unless I really needed to, but I realize in the current climate of global anxiety, I say it all the time. Did you ever find out more about Indianapolis? I think you were right, actually. It’s pretty far from NYC on a weekend.
Nope, never found out the truth about Indianapolis! But I did send the class photo to my 1st grade teacher last night. She subscribes. I wonder if she has any recollection of this experience...
I can so relate to the ways you've used "I'm sorry" to subvert conflict,keep things moving and not have people mad at you. I felt like I had to keep apologizing because just one wasn't good enough.
Brilliant description of how apologies felt to you as a child.
Today,I make mistakes, and I sometimes need to make amends,but I am not a mistake!
I enjoy the journey through your essays, the way you construct your story and move philosophically from place to place, so often starting with clear memories of childhood. That was a powerful moment with Indianapolis girl...but what a shift through the years to rote apologies that lost all meaning. I can't even imagine the process of that fifth step -- I can't imagine the trust required with the other person. I really can't. I don't know you and can't say "I'm proud of you," but that's what comes to mind.... kudos to you for those steps you have taken. Kudos for stopping apologizing for being. The statement at the meeting .... tell me everything and let me love you anyway..... wow. Unconditional love and acceptance... your story suggests that exists!
Amy, thank you for your thoughtful comment. We don't know each other IRL but I feel as if I do these last weeks. You've been so supportive and eloquent. I love your work and I appreciate your presence in my life!
Thank you for your generous words. I agree, it seems like I know you, and at any rate, I'm glad to be getting to know you through your beautifully crafted essays!
I hadn’t thought of ‘sorry’ as a way of keeping things moving along, but in our crowded busy lives it certainly does. I never used to say it unless I really needed to, but I realize in the current climate of global anxiety, I say it all the time. Did you ever find out more about Indianapolis? I think you were right, actually. It’s pretty far from NYC on a weekend.
Nope, never found out the truth about Indianapolis! But I did send the class photo to my 1st grade teacher last night. She subscribes. I wonder if she has any recollection of this experience...