The Power of Apology and Forgiveness

As I begin this week's post, I'm thinking about the title The Power of Apology and Forgiveness as these are topics I've been going back and forth in my head these past couple of weeks.

I hesitated writing this, but I somehow keep finding myself resurfacing the idea.

What is the connection between photography to this topic of apology and forgiveness?

From a wide angle, they don't have much in common, if any. But then, if you look at it through a macro lens you see what photography really is. It's a connection between the camera and its subject; the mere idea that you have to feel compelled to capture whatever it is that you are photographing. 

Before I lose you, think about this...

Why does anyone apologize to another? Or why does anyone feel the need to forgive or ask for forgiveness?

"Implementing forgiveness and apologizing was never a topic of discussion growing up. We just learned to accept and move on."​

It is to seek peace and tranquility between another person. Many people seek forgiveness by apologizing, and end up with a stronger connection between whoever it was they were apologizing to, while unfortunately many do not.

I don't view myself as a very "religious" person, however, I do believe in the power of spirituality--a topic I used to try to stay away from.  Knowing oneself and believing that each of us hold a very strong energy to ourselves and to each other is pretty remarkable. I've been told my many that it takes more energy to be negative than it does to stay positive; and I totally believe that! (And while many of you reading this are probably either clicked that little red exit button on your screen or contemplating it, and that's okay. If you're still with me, thanks.)

As I grow older year by year, I've learned to start being more honest with myself, and forgiving myself for things I cannot change; things I've been so hard on myself for doing or not doing. Implementing forgiveness and apologizing was never a topic of discussion growing up. We just learned to accept and move on. Whenever someone was wrong or was in a not so great mood, there wasn't much apologizing. We didn't really talk about forgiveness. We just always assumed we were all okay the next day, which for the most part worked.

As I grew older and matured each and every day (and still trying to mature at times), we see what's worth holding onto and what is worth fighting for. And sitting on a grudge that can eat you up from the inside is not worth that life long fight.
Whatever that happened a long time ago (or just yesterday), just let it go. Let go the feeling of betrayal and anger. This life is too short--just let it go, breathe in and move forward. 

So, today, I apologize to myself and to any of those around me for anything I have wronged. I forgive myself for letting the inner-voice who's bullying thoughts have once consumed me while telling me that I wasn't good enough, I wasn't skinny enough, I wasn't pretty enough and I wasn't smart enough.

I apologize for this.
I forgive for this.

​I hope you implement these two very powerful ideas into your life as I continue to strive to do so in mine.