filed in Daily Life
How it Pays to Do Good
On the Jewish calendar, it’s the month of Elul, which leads up to our High Holidays in early October. During Elul, you’re supposed to take a spiritual inventory and tell people you might’ve hurt that you’re sorry. I had that in mind yesterday, after a terse conversation with a neighbor whose dog and toddler were trampling over our newly planted drought-tolerant lawn. The moment I walked away, I realized that this woman was grappling with a big dog and a small child, and I needed to get over myself. I immediately sent her an apology email. She responded at once with such gratitude. It was the perfect lesson on what happens when you spread good will around. On that note, I have a new blog post on my Career Coaching website, Volunteering Your Way to a Job. I hope you’ll check it out.
I’m Good by Marc Johns
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That took a lot of courage to swallow your pride and apologize to her. So many people can never do that. There are people who never say they are sorry for anything. It’s such a powerful thing. I’m proud of you!
In this case, the tradition of this particular Jewish month really inspired me. I’m not at all sure I would’ve been so quick to apology without that motivation. And I’m so glad I did.
I echo Leyla’s comment – that was a wonderful thing you gave away in just a moment. To apologize, sincerely apologize, can mean so much to the recipient. Bravo to you Wendy. You’ve inspired me to try to be my best self today.
I ran into the neighbor today, and it made me doubly happy that there were no hard feelings.
I’m impressed by you and the neighbor. I don’t know that I would have apologized because of shame and I don’t know that I would have quickly and graciously accepted the apology as the neighbor. But maybe it worked since you both meant it. Nicely done.