I’m that girl that says, “I’m sorry”, for everything, and I mean, EVERYTHING. In fact, I will say sorry for saying sorry.

Those words are so overused, as if they are the only ones I know how to use. Too often, I find myself apologizing for things that are out of my control. If someone bumps into me, I say sorry. If someone gets mad at me for wanting to catch up on sleep, instead of going out, I say sorry. If someone gets mad at me for a feeling I express, I say sorry.

I don’t like conflict or knowing that someone is upset with me, so I feel this guilt and say sorry, because I know it’s going to fix the problem. But should I be saying sorry as much as I do?

No.

I have realized I do not have anything to apologize for. After all, it’s who I am and it’s MY life. If I don’t want to spend fifty dollars on a concert you want to go to, I shouldn’t have to tell you sorry. If I don’t want to hang out because I am tired, I shouldn’t have to tell you sorry. If I get upset over something you said, I shouldn’t have to tell you sorry.

So, I am done saying sorry for my emotions. So what if I am sensitive, care too much, or am passionate about things in my life?

I am done saying sorry for the way I handle the emotions I feel. If I deal with my emotions by writing a letter, turning my phone off, or going for a run, accept it.

I am done saying sorry for rejection. I have no control over what people think about my wardrobe, hair, or the views I have.

I am done saying sorry for the success in my life. If I lost weight, got a good grade on a hard exam, or just bought a new car, you should be happy for me.

I am done saying sorry for the mistakes I have made. At one point, it was exactly what I wanted and I learned from it.

I am done saying sorry for being bad at something. I am not capable of everything, so appreciate the gifts I do have.

Lastly, I am done saying sorry for putting myself before others. The relationship I have with myself is the most important one and if I need to be selfish at times, I will be.

I am no longer going to spit out, “I’m sorry”, for the person I am or the life I decide to live.