There are two phrases that one must not be afraid to use; in fact I implore us all to use them often and with conviction. They are “thank you” and “I am sorry”. It’s not a Canadian thing, although I am proud to say Canadians have never been shy with declaring gratefulness or expressing their empathetic sorrow to undesirable circumstance.
I known have been ridiculed for using them often, presumably because in this day and age of mock bravado, they can be misconstrued as signs of weakness, an admission of vulnerability. Yet, nothing can be further from the truth.
Saying ” thank you” requires us to step back and appreciate the many little blessings of this life. It allows us to acknowledges the little graces that others have bestowed upon us however justly or undeserving. And truth to be told, often we are unworthy of the favors incurred but by the good graces of others, and thus we are and should be grateful.
Likewise, saying sorry does not solely imply an admission of guilt. In fact, it is often intended as an olive branch saying “I commiserate”. I am sorrowful towards the circumstances, but you are not alone. How human is that?
“Thank you” and “sorry” are excellent vehicles in validating those around us. Therefore, I implore us to be not stingy in our dispense of them, but rather be ready to embody the spirit behind and reach out to others when the situation calls for either.
