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Health and Wellness

Let's Stop Apologizing For Being Ourselves

Why is our knee-jerk response is, "I'm sorry?"

katieshannon

Sep 14, 2018

West Chester University

206

Katie Shannon

Let's stop apologizing.

Why is it a routine thing to say, "I'm sorry," for things that we shouldn't be apologetic for? I have to catch it out before I finish my sentence nowadays because I have realized that 8/10 times I say it, I shouldn't have to.

I shouldn't have to apologize for how I want to dress. I shouldn't have to apologize for being a bookworm.
I shouldn't have to apologize for how my body looks in an outfit and whether it is approved by the girls in class or the boys at the party.
I shouldn't have to apologize for trying to be the best version of myself for you, because I was not enough in your eyes.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to curse.
I shouldn't have to apologize for "being in the way" or say "excuse me" when I am not in the way.

I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to go down a different path than those around me.

I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to go out. I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to stay in.
I shouldn't have to apologize for earning what I gain through my hard work.
I shouldn't have to apologize for not getting it on the first try. I shouldn't have to apologize for not being skinny enough.
I shouldn't have to apologize for not getting the best grades or the highest GPA standing.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting help. I shouldn't have to apologize for mistakes you won't hold accountability for.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wearing makeup that I want to.
I shouldn't have to apologize for not wearing makeup.
I shouldn't have to apologize for showing cleavage when I want to.
I shouldn't have to apologize for you bumping into me so carelessly.

I shouldn't have to apologize for trying my best and yet those never make me feel like I'm enough.

I shouldn't have to apologize for not being the best relation to. I shouldn't have to apologize for wearing a tight dress.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wearing baggy clothes that are comfortable.
I shouldn't have to apologize for not always being happy. I shouldn't have to apologize for letting myself be sad.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to be social.
I shouldn't have to apologize for needing to take off of classes one day for my mental health.
I shouldn't have to apologize for not wanting to be friends with someone that is not good for me.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to be included and for being hurt for being left out.
I shouldn't have to apologize for standing for what I believe is right when you'd rather stick to ignorance.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to get and feel better.
I shouldn't have to apologize for wanting to be alone for a while.
I shouldn't have to apologize for not having "the look" for peers around me.
I shouldn't have to apologize for having a "resting bitch rest" because I am not smiling every second.
I shouldn't have to apologize for smiling and laughing a lot, because it is "too much for you."
I shouldn't have to apologize for everything I apologize for.

I shouldn't have to apologize.

Yet I apologize for every damn thing on the list.

Why?

Because I feel obligated to do so. Yet, there is no reason to be sorry. Just be unapologetically you.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Let's Stop Apologizing For Being Ourselves

Why is our knee-jerk response is, "I'm sorry?"

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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