Two Simple Words That Can Bring You Inner Peace

Two words. There are two words in the English language that can lead to a world of forgiveness and absolution. It is a simple statement, one where a person will admit wrongdoing. However, it is also one that people can be too stubborn to admit. Whether it is because of pride, hard headedness, immaturity, or even ignorance, sometimes people just won’t say the two words that can make things right. They refuse to say the simple phrase that can heal the wounds and end the tension between friends. Those two words are “I’m sorry.”

For whatever reason, such a simple thing to do can also be the hardest thing to do. In saying the words “I’m sorry,” you seek to absolve yourself of the misdeed that you have committed. But at the same time, in doing so you admit that what you did was wrong. For some, this is something that is very difficult.

It is hard to admit that what you did was wrong; it hurts just to realize that you caused pain or discomfort to a friend or family member. Sometimes, what you did could be so insignificant, other times it could be something so bad that the guilt eats away at you. It can be an uphill battle to apologize for something you did wrong, but what hurts the most is when you realize that you wronged someone.

There are many sins in the world—there are some such as calling someone a hurtful name, and others like turning your back on a close friend. Some choose to stick with their pride, they would rather cling to their sense of self-righteousness than be the bigger person and apologize. Sometimes it can be overlooked; a person can forgive you anyway. Other times, the person who was too stubborn to apologize for their sins takes a loss as a result of their selfishness.

In refusing to apologize, meaningful relationships can be ruined, and decades of friendships may be destroyed—and for what? Is it done to prove a point? Is it to avoid facing the music and admitting that what you did was just wrong? Or despite the destruction that your actions have caused, do you truly believe that you did no wrong?

In this life, I have learned that these two words carry so much power. A true mark of maturity is when you can swallow your pride and apologize for your actions. Whether you receive immediate forgiveness or you have to give it time until you achieve absolution, the fact that someone can say “I’m sorry” and admit wrongdoing shows just how strong they can be.

The key to happiness is to seek forgiveness for your misdeeds, but also to give your forgiveness to those who seek it. In doing so, bridges will be mended and friendships will be restored. Past mistakes and bad choices will be forgiven, and you will feel a weight off of your shoulders. At the same time, forgiving those who have hurt you and wronged you will cleanse all of the hatred from your heart. You can reach your inner peace and eliminate a world of stress.

All of this is possible with one powerful phrase, two words.

I’m sorry.