Stop Saying Sorry All the Time: Say Thank You Instead

Let me just say this first: I’m not anti-apology. If you hurt someone or mess up, you should own it. Period. But I had to learn that constantly saying "sorry" for every little thing wasn't making me polite. It was making me small.

And I know I’m not alone. As women, we’ve been trained to soften ourselves, shrink a little, keep the peace. But what if we just... didn’t? What if we stopped apologizing for being human and started owning our space with gratitude and confidence?

The Moment It Clicked For Me

I was late picking up a friend. I rushed in, breathless, the word “sorry” flying out of my mouth before I even sat down. Her response? “You don’t need to say sorry.”

It hit me. That small shift flipped the script in my brain.

Instead of feeling like I failed, I felt seen.

Respected and confident.

Try These Swaps Instead of “Sorry”

If you catch yourself saying sorry all day long, try switching it up with these:

• Instead of “Sorry I’m late”, say “Thank you for waiting for me.”

• Instead of “Sorry I didn’t respond sooner”, try “Thanks for your patience.”

• Instead of “Sorry I’m such a mess today”, say “Thanks for being cool with me showing up real.”

• Instead of “Sorry, I just have a quick question”, say “Thank you for taking a moment to hear me out.”

• Instead of “Sorry I need help”, say “Thanks for supporting me.”
  

These changes seem tiny, but they add up.

They reinforce that you're worthy of space, time, and support.

Confidence Is in How You Speak

You don’t have to walk into a room and own it like Beyoncé to be confident. But you do need to stop apologizing for your presence.

Here's what I started doing and it helped a lot:

• Speak a little slower. Rushing makes it sound like you’re trying to get it over with. Slow down. What you say matters.

• Watch your posture. Head up. Shoulders relaxed. You don’t need to fold into yourself.

• Look people in the eyes. Even if it’s hard at first. It gets easier.
  

Again, apologize when you’re truly in the wrong.

That’s strong.

But don’t hand out “sorry” like candy for every thing.

You Don’t Need to Apologize for Being You

You woke up today. You showed up. You’re navigating life, probably juggling a million things at once.

That doesn’t require an apology.

You are allowed to be here. Fully. Loudly. Softly. However you are.

When I started reminding myself, “Yes, I’m here for a reason,” I started walking a little taller. I began liking myself more.

And as a mom, I knew I had to teach my kids the same.

Mirror Talk: A Confidence Ritual That Works

Every morning, I say this in the mirror.

And I used to have my kids say it too. Before school. Before bed. Before big moments.

“I like myself and I am enough.”

I would have my kids say it when:

• We were brush teeth in the morning or at night

• I'm putting on their shoes before school

• We're in the car before drop-off

• They’re getting ready for bed

• They’re having a rough day

And I say it when:

• I’m getting dressed

• Doing my hair or makeup

• Feeling tired or unsure

• Starting my work day

Say out loud the things you are (here are some examples):

• I am smart

• I am kind

• I am funny

• I am creative

• I am strong

• I am brave

• I matter

• I’m significant

• I like myself
  

Say it even if it feels weird at first.

Say it until you believe it.

This Is How We Build Resilience

Confidence isn’t just about appearances. It’s how we bounce back. How we speak to ourselves when no one’s watching. How we teach our children to value themselves, not because of what they achieve, but because of who they already are.

I didn’t grow up hearing this. I had to learn it the hard way. But now, I’m changing the story.

For me.

And for my kids.

And maybe you can change it, for you too.

What’s something you’ve stopped apologizing for?

How do you teach confidence to yourself or your children?

Share in the comments.

Your insight might be exactly what another woman needs to hear today.