How Many Times Have You Said “Sorry” Today?

The other day, I caught myself doing something ridiculous.

I was in line at a coffee shop, and when the barista handed me my drink, I said “Sorry.”

For what? For taking the drink I had just paid for?

That’s when it hit me—I had been apologizing for existing.

For asking questions.
For taking up space.
For being human.

And the more I thought about it, the more I realized: I wasn’t the only one.

Watch any conversation, and you’ll see it.
People saying “sorry” when they speak up.
“Sorry” when they express an opinion.
“Sorry” when they set a boundary, ask for what they need, or simply move through the world.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to apologize for being YOU.

You don’t owe anyone an apology for your presence. For your emotions. For needing rest. For existing in your full, unapologetic self.

So today, I challenge you—notice how many times you say “sorry” when you don’t need to. And instead, replace it with something else:

🚫 “Sorry I’m late.” → ✅ “Thank you for your patience.”
🚫 “Sorry for talking so much.” → ✅ “I appreciate you listening.”
🚫 “Sorry for asking.” → ✅ “I’d love your thoughts on this.”

Small shift. Big impact.

Because every time you hold back, every time you shrink, every time you say “sorry” for just being, you reinforce a lie: that you are too much or not enough.

But the truth? You’ve always been enough. No apology required.

Try it today. Catch yourself before the unnecessary “sorry” slips out. You might be surprised how powerful it feels to stand fully in who you are.

Until next time,
Joanna