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Not Perfect, Just Growing: The apology episode

  • Writer: Tami West
    Tami West
  • Oct 1
  • 2 min read


This week on Consider Yourself Hugged, Michelle and I (Tami) opened up about something raw and real: we inadvertently hurt someone’s feelings. It wasn’t intentional, but it still happened — and it brought us face-to-face with what it really means to apologize.


We started with our old stories: the times we weren’t equipped with the tools or maturity to say “I’m sorry,” and how that left us and others carrying hurt. Then we walked through this recent situation, what we felt in the moment, and what helped us respond differently this time.


Together we broke it down into four big lessons:

  1. Don’t default to defensiveness. Pause. Breathe. Listen.

  2. Make a heartfelt apology. Not “I’m sorry you feel that way,” but something real.

  3. Fix what you can. Sometimes that means clarifying, sometimes it’s action.

  4. Remember: mistakes don’t define you. It’s what you do next.


Michelle shared how she used to assume everything was her fault, while I used to lean into perfectionism and blame-shifting. We’ve both grown, and we want you to know — it’s okay to process, to take your time, to forgive yourself, and to try again.


And teachers, moms, leaders: apologizing doesn’t take away your credibility. It makes you stronger, more relatable, and healthier.


We’d love to hear your stories. When have you had to apologize? How did it go? Reach out on our socials or in the comments.


Also, download your Relational Repair Guide from our Resource Vault.


And remember: we’re giving away mugs to the first 5 people who leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen!



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And, until next time..... Consider Yourself Hugged!!

Michelle & Tami



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About Tami & Michelle:

Michelle Kixmiller, PMHNP

Michelle is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator. She works with children and adults with mental health needs including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder.


Tami West, PhD

Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges. Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity.


Thanks for joining! **Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:


General Resources

National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org

Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org

Mental Health First Aid Resources: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

 
 
 

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