Ask the Chief

A genuine apology is when a person takes responsibility for their behavior and sincerely asks for forgiveness.
Forgiveness is when you choose mercy over anger and give another person the opportunity to make amends and be better.
Have you noticed how few apologies are occurring these days and when someone does apologize there is even less forgiveness being given? Issues that could and should be handled between two people are now forced into criminal court. Yes, a law may have been violated but that doesn't mean an alternative resolution can't be found.
I see and hear people complain about a lack of accountability and mercy in all aspects of daily life. Family, school, work, politics. Just look at our state and federal leaders. No one will own a bad decision for fear of losing the election and being demonized in the media.
Life is hard and people make mistakes. Why are we so quick to jump on someone for a mistake? Why don't we apologize and why don't we forgive? How can we expect people to be better if we punish them for admitting their error and while not giving them the opportunity to be better?
I encourage everyone to relearn the art of the sincere apology. I encourage everyone to embrace forgiveness as an opportunity for all involved to heal and grow.
Perhaps start by apologizing to yourself and forgive yourself for the hurt you do to you. Then move on to your family, then friends, then work, then strangers...
Imagine how the world would change with a sincere apology and genuine forgiveness.