Words and Phrases You Don't Hear Very Often

I'm sorry; I was wrong; forgive me; you were right; let me help you; that's a better idea; I didn't know that; I wish I saw that earlier; I was selfish; I didn't consider your wishes; I was angry, etc.

It took me a while to learn to use these words and phrases and my wife Renee reminds me frequently when I need to use them. She says, and I concur that regular use of these and similar phrases keep our relationship healthy. By saying this I don't mean to suggest we don't have our disagreements. It's just that we seem to work through our issues in relatively short order.

I have observed children and young adults instantly responding to a situation or event with the words "It's not my fault." We are very quick to assign fault to whats has happened and it flows directly downhill from our congressional committees to the lawn boy who ran over my mother-in-law's Johnny Jump Ups with his lawn mower. We now affectionately call that area of Becky's garden Johnny Mow Downs. Very few individuals step up to the plate and take responsibility for their actions without being prodded by a parent or teacher. We grownups are prod resistant and usually need 2x4 stimulation.

My personal philosophy and a philosophy I would bring to city council is founded in taking responsibility for my actions and for liberally sprinkling the words I first referenced in this blog throughout my life. Life is happier and a lot less stressful.