We all come across challenges and expats are certainly no exception to this. But when things get tricky we start to feel that well-known guilt building up inside and shortly thereafter we feel the need to apologise. For lots of things. Especially to the people we love and miss a lot.The interesting thing is that these things are actually going to be part of your life as an expat, whether you like it or not, and if you choose to constantly apologise for them you’ll keep busy forever. Not only that, it takes important energy away from more meaningful things that could give you more connection, fun and love. Such a waste of time, yet so many people do it. Strange isn’t it!
When working with expat clients, I’ve noticed seven really common things most of them feel a strong need to apologise for (over and over again):
1) Not being there
Yes, you missed someone’s wedding/baptism/birthday/graduation. Yes, you would have loved to be there, but you were not. The reason why does not really matter so stop apologising for it! Acknowledge to the person that you would have loved to be there for them in person, but focus your energy on how you can share part of that moment with your loved one, even if you were not there. Stop wasting time on apologising for not being there – it makes neither of you any happier, nor does it in any way change what happened. In fact, it will make things worse to highlight and remind you both that there really was someone or something missing on their special day. You were there in spirit in a way that suited that specific situation.
2) Saying no
Connected to the above point, but often an apology on its own as well. You can’t be everything for everyone at all times. Nor can you be everywhere for everyone. Saying no is one of the key things successful and happy people do regularly, so learn to do it in a way that serves you. Being clear on your boundaries helps, as well as valuing your own time as much as you value the time you spend helping and supporting others. Say no when appropriate. Own it. Stop apologising for it and enjoy the new opportunities that open up for you by saying no.
3) Being busy and/or low on energy
Saying this and feeling bad for it is counterproductive and brings on more guilt. Which in turn leads to even lower energy levels. Everyone is busy living their life and you should never apologise for living yours. If you feel that you need to adjust things to feel better, then just go ahead and do that. And don’t apologise for it!
4) Not being in touch more often
This is one of the most common ones and the easiest one to bust! Communication is a two-way street and a flow between two points. The flow and frequency is determined by both ends and one side cannot communicate with the other person unless they communicate back somehow. The reality is that you have as much time as everyone else in this world. The frequency and quality of your connection and communication with others is determined by where you focus your energy. If you feel the need to change it and speak to someone more often, by all means change how you interact with that person. But stop apologising for it, it’s pointless to highlight a lack of something without being prepared to take action!
5) Standing up for your life choices
We always do the best we can with the information and resources available to us at any one time. Never apologise for the things you chose in the past, even if it sometimes means that choosing one thing also means to leave something else behind. Those choices made you the person you’ve become today. You already know you can’t change the past, so instead own the steps you took then and move forward in your chosen direction now.
6) Making mistakes
We always learn as we go along. That’s how we grow as human beings. Sometimes we hurt people around us or cause ourselves a lot of grief, but a mistake is only a mistake if you allow it to be. If you choose to see it as a learning to avoid doing the same thing again, it’s served a purpose. Either way, apologise only once (if needed) and really mean it. Then let it go into the past where it belongs and look forward to how you can choose to be and do differently now and in the future.
7) Enjoying something different
There is no one way to live life properly and correctly. Every single human being is different and deserves the right to live a life they chose, not one that was forced upon them by others. Never apologise for wanting something different to what you grew up with or what your community tells you. You have the right to choose, so own that right and bring it with you wherever you go. It’s a true gift that you can also share with others to support them in their version of happiness and fulfilment.
We all know that these seven things are important, just make sure you don’t get stuck in a loop of apologies.