Making up can be one of the most painful moments in life.
When you've erred beyond imagination, and you have to make up for it, that's heart-wrenching, frightening, and even painful.
In fact, making up for your most regretful moments may be so painful that you avoid it at all costs.
Avoidance, however, is never a good idea in the long run, though avoidance to give time to good thought may be positive for the short term.
How does one make-up in ways that are positive, life enriching, or good for any relationship?
I think the first step is to tread gently--be present, observe, and be humble. For those of us who err frequently with sometimes a callous and unthinking manner, we know that a quiet make-up is better. We have to say our truth, then show that we mean it with positive actions and demeanor--no more words will do any good. We outward talkers have said enough, and in times like these, silence can be our friend.
The make-up for big errors typically is not a one time event, but gentle steps toward reconciliation. It's a one-step-at-a-time approach for which actions demonstrate the fact that you learned your lesson and you're better for it.
As I think about past missteps, I am thinking of what those steps may look like, steps that include more listening than talking, slowing down, making time for the deep work that matters, and paying attention to the details.
When relationships matter to you, the art of making up is an essential skill to develop--it's just one more area of importance when it comes to living a good life.
When you've erred beyond imagination, and you have to make up for it, that's heart-wrenching, frightening, and even painful.
In fact, making up for your most regretful moments may be so painful that you avoid it at all costs.
Avoidance, however, is never a good idea in the long run, though avoidance to give time to good thought may be positive for the short term.
How does one make-up in ways that are positive, life enriching, or good for any relationship?
I think the first step is to tread gently--be present, observe, and be humble. For those of us who err frequently with sometimes a callous and unthinking manner, we know that a quiet make-up is better. We have to say our truth, then show that we mean it with positive actions and demeanor--no more words will do any good. We outward talkers have said enough, and in times like these, silence can be our friend.
The make-up for big errors typically is not a one time event, but gentle steps toward reconciliation. It's a one-step-at-a-time approach for which actions demonstrate the fact that you learned your lesson and you're better for it.
As I think about past missteps, I am thinking of what those steps may look like, steps that include more listening than talking, slowing down, making time for the deep work that matters, and paying attention to the details.
When relationships matter to you, the art of making up is an essential skill to develop--it's just one more area of importance when it comes to living a good life.