Forgiveness

Forgiveness is something that I obviously feel is super important, but it is one of those things that you know you should do ASAP but sometimes put it off. I had such an experience the other day. I was cancelling a membership with a company that I had been with for over 3 years. I had no ill feelings towards this company, I just did not need their services anymore. I gave them my months notice and they gave me a month to use up the services I had already paid for. At the end of the month, I realized I would not be able to use the services I had paid for until after the termination. I would miss it by one day. From my experience in retail and sales I knew that this was something they could potentially help me with. To spare you the ugly details and to be brief, when I called to ask for a 1 day extension, I started off very pleasant and explaining my situation. They were unwilling to help in anyway. I was upset by this and said some not-so-nice things to the manager. I hung up and was angry. Throughout the day I told a few people of my bad experience with this company...how they had treated me unjustly (they were following their policy that I agreed to, they were not extending the mercy i was looking for). A few hours later, I realized this anger was really messing with my head and day. I knew I needed to call back and apologize and I did. "Hello, this is Gunilla. We spoke earlier. And, although I am not happy about the circumstances, I had no excuse to treat you so poorly and I am very sorry." Instantly, the hostility in her voice was gone, she accepted my apology. Free! I felt so free and happy. The injustice I had felt earlier was gone. Another benefit of this was that the person on the other end of the phone let me know that she did find a way to help me and was very accommodating. I was not expecting this and felt complete closure and peace without the extra accommodations, but this was a bonus! Forgiveness is awesome! I think I will try it more often and sooner than my angry mind wants to...you should too!