I'm Sorry.

I’ve stopped saying, “I’m sorry.”

Not in the heartfelt, knowing I messed up and seeking to repair, “I’m sorry”
but in the casual way I apologize for taking up space.

Unintentionally block the aisle with my shopping cart. “Sorry!”
The way I start trotting across the street when a car is waiting, signaling with my body language I’m sorry for inconveniencing them by needing to get to the other side exactly when they are trying to drive through.
I’m sorry for having so many groceries and I’m holding up the line.

I’m sorry they have to wait for me.

I’m sorry I’m blocking their way.

I’m sorry I can’t make their day perfect.

I’m sorry I’m inconveniencing them in any way.

Now, I simply say, “Excuse me” when I need to get by. I settle into the discomfort of making people wait their turn. I stand up straight and allow myself to take up space wherever I am. I cross the street, resisting the urge to run at full speed if a car happens to be waiting.

I’m not sorry for being where I am, when I am, doing what I need to do. I’m not sorry for maybe taking the best of the bunch or putting myself first sometimes. I’m not sorry for grabbing the cookie that’s not broken, or eating the last of the ice cream.

“Train yourself to only be ashamed of those things that are truly worthy of being ashamed of.” -Cato

In other words, be sorry when you should be.