The Road Less Traveled: Humility

Why is it so hard to say 'I'm sorry'? Words that are so simple to pronounce but cripple even the strongest man. It seems ironic that the man with the most humility, and not the most strength, acquires the tools necessary to find victory in the most battles. But I'd say even the most humble of man struggles with the simple phrase, "I'm sorry".

What is it about the phrase is so hard to vocalize? Obviously since it's not the pronunciation, it's the meaning. Saying 'I'm sorry' is a reflection of the inner self. In order to need to say it, one must've done something or said something to put them in a place of shame and guilt. Saying 'I'm sorry' communicates that change has taken place in one's heart, turning from that place of shame and guilt, to humility. What a double whammy. First, you do something that makes you feel like crap and then you have to be completely open, honest, and feel bad about it? It seems like it makes sense but in the midst of it all, it feels something similar to having your free will literally ripped out of your body, slammed on the floor, and stomped on. It goes against the human instinct. People will lie, cheat, steal, prosecute, and blow situations entirely out of proportion all so that they don't have to humble themselves and say those words. I think this is most purely demonstrated in children. When a child has to apologize to another child or an adult, just watch the turmoil on their face. Of course, just as adults do, kids first attempt at an "I'm sorry" is sometimes quick, abrupt, and meaningless. The words themselves mean absolutely nothing without the appropriate emotion.

Imagine a fork in the road. The fork represents your shame and guilt. You've done something and it's time for your personal arch to be a better person (hopefully). One road leads to Humility which starts with those dreadful words of, "I'm sorry". The other road leads to............well.........isn't that something ironic. The other road leads to even more hurt, anger, resentment, probably lies, arguments...and the list goes on. As hard as the road to humility seems....how true is it that the alternate road turns out to be harder? Longer?

The next time you find yourself at a fork in the road; challenge yourself. Challenge yourself not to be the strongest man (or woman), but the wisest. And choose to be humble. The road might start out rough but sooner rather than later begins to smooth; where you will begin to reap the benefits of your decision. Both personally and in the relationships around you.