Mark Conner Relationships, Soul Food

Soul Food Episode 43 – Apology

Have you ever had a conflict? Maybe a better question would be, “When was your last conflict?”

As we do life with other people it is inevitable that conflicts and disagreements will occur. How successfully we resolve those conflicts will have a big impact on our lives.

In most conflicts, there are wrongs on both sides. The trouble comes when we only focus on what the other person has done … rather than on our own contribution.

Let’s say for example, that you’ve just had a conflict with another person and they were 90% wrong and you were 10% wrong.

Don’t focus on their part; focus on yourself. Take care of your 10%. Learn to say a few powerful words – from your heart.

Firstly, “I’m sorry.” Those words can change an entire relationship. Then try this one, “I was wrong.” Finally, try this phrase, ”Would you forgive me?”

When we take responsibility for ourselves and respond to the heat of the moment with humility and kindness … the other person often softens and the conflict can more easily be resolved.

Yes, the art of making a genuine apology is essential for healthy relationships.

You can watch a video of this episode on the Soul Food with Mark Conner YouTube channel.

Mark Conner Relationships, Soul Food

Soul Food Episode 37 – Forgiveness

Many years ago I was on a building site and I was cutting through a piece of wood with an electric saw. Unfortunately, I cut through the wood and then took a chunk out of my finger. There was blood gushing everywhere. It really hurt. I rushed off to the hospital and got some stitches.

Thankfully, the body went into a healing process and over time the pain went away. I have got a scar there and I remember what happened, but it no longer hurts.

You know it is the same in our emotional world. Sometimes things happen that hurt us and it’s painful. But hopefully, we will experience a healing process so that over time the pain goes away.

How does that happen? It’s only through choosing to forgive those that have hurt us that healing takes place. If we don’t forgive, bitterness can become like a destructive poison eating us up on the inside.

So I urge you today, has someone offended you?

Have the courage to forgive them and to release them. NOT from accountability but from your need for revenge, to get back at them.

As you do, the healing process can begin to work in your life.

P.S. See also ‘Common Questions About Forgiveness.’

You can watch a video of this episode on the Soul Food with Mark Conner YouTube channel.