The power of making amends instead of apologizing

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🤝 There’s a world of difference between apologizing and making amends

Doing the extra work to make things right can unlock a world of confidence

We live in a world where “sorry” gets tossed around like punctuation. Some of us even have an unfortunate habit of apologizing for simply existing. But this story by Mark Wales, explores what happens when we shift from seeking forgiveness to actually making things right, and how that change can unlock a deeper, healthier kind of confidence.

Rooted in spiritual practice, recovery principles, and personal accountability, this approach isn’t just about restoring relationships, it’s about restoring yourself. He describes how this shift brought him greater self-esteem, freedom from guilt and shame, and stronger, more trusting relationships.

Making real amends takes more than words, and it might change how you see yourself.

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🥾 Detention or dopamine? This high school makes kids choose.

Maine teens can hike their way out of trouble. Literally.

At Morse High School, students who break the rules don’t just get detention, they get options. One of them? A two-hour hike through the woods with a counselor and a few peers. It’s sweaty, sometimes muddy, and undeniably harder than just sitting still. But it’s also working.

As Erik Barnes shares in this story, the idea came from counselor Leslie Trundy, who found her own peace on the Appalachian Trail. She figured students might benefit from a little fresh air and forward motion, too.

Read how a walk in the woods is helping kids clear their heads, one step at a time.

🧠 Woman shares 11 pieces of great advice for when men mistake kindness for flirting

It really isn't all that complicated.

If your job requires you to smile and care, you’ve probably run into this: kindness gets misinterpreted as flirting, and suddenly you’re fielding awkward questions about your relationship status instead of ringing up groceries or pouring coffee. It’s an especially pernicious issue for women.

In this story by Tod Perry, a woman shares how being compassionate with customers started backfiring. She turned to the internet for advice, and the advice she got back is full of grace and grit. Think boundary-setting scripts that still sound human. Clever ways to steer the conversation without losing your empathy. Even a subtle-but-lethal look reserved for the persistent creeps.

If you’ve ever thought, “I just want to be kind without it becoming a whole thing,” this one’s for you.

That is Tuesday’s GOOD stuff. Until next time, may your kindness be interpreted correctly and your apologies be sincere.