So what keeps us from apologizing? Pride, self-righteousness, the fear of giving in, the fear of looking weak, the fear of losing face? Yes, we all have these feelings, but why let self-inflicted feelings keep us from doing the right thing? When we know it would be right to apologize why do we hesitate?

Explanations, reasons, justifications, and excuses never soothe hurt feelings or heal a relationship; but a simple and genuine apology does!

A genuine apology makes resolution possible. Without an apology, we will harbor anger and resentment. And often times, unresolved conflict lingers on for days, months and may be for years. It would be akin to holding a burning ember in your hand which you will fling at the person whom you are upset with! Till you throw it what happens? It burns your hand!

When we apologize, we are accepting responsibility for our actions, and seeking to make amends with those who have offended us. A genuine apology will open the door to forgiveness and reconciliation. It breaks down those walls that have been holding us back from having peaceful and fulfilling relationships with one another.

There really is no such thing as a wasted apology or one somebody didn’t deserve. You can apologize without losing face even though you are accepting blame for hurting your spouse’s feelings. An apology is a simple gift of love. Give it often. Remember that Saying “I’m sorry” does not equal saying “I’m wrong”?

Forgive and be at peace with yourself!

Unless you know how to respect everyone – irrespective of their age, designation or status you cannot succeed in life!

“Treat others as you want them to treat you because what goes around comes around”

Then again Buddha said:

“You should respect each other and refrain from disputes; you should not like water and oil, repel each other, but should like milk and water, mingle together.”

The best of the leader will pay heed to the word of the humblest of employees of his organization. It is this quality which separates the good leaders from the average leader.

We sometimes demand respect; that is a very big mistake. We demand because we feel that we deserve it right? But the fact that it is not given voluntarily makes it worthless. Respect may not be bought or demanded; it may only be earned and earned the easy way by offering it first! As easy as that!

It is one of the first values that we are taught by our parents and grandparents and this value is worth its weight in Gold/Platinum/Diamonds; you name it!

Without respect you are going nowhere in life and without giving it you are surely not going to get it.

Do you get it?

Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts? ~ Confucius

I would ask of you to feed poor and under privileged. Whenever you go out to eat, make sure that you order a little extra, so that you can pack some food and give it to some needy kid or an old man. It will help feed hungry people. Remember, food never really goes to waste. Intentionally, order one or two extra portions of the same, and at times when only a gravy is left order a extra rice or roti and generously give it away.

Try this and feel the wave of goodness move through your entire being. It will give you a high far better than any sugary treat. Maybe this is your only birth, so whatever goodness you can think of, speak or do, do it now. Don’t wait for confusion or a sense of inadequacy to come in the way! Be generous…Be giving…Be yourself!