Is it just me or is this the most common word out of our mouths?

Why?

Plump tomatoes

Why does this phrase have to be so common?

It’s odd.

I’m not gunna lie.

When I was growing up I often heard, “Sorry isn’t good enough.” I often wonder if that is why I say sorry for everything I do.

When I drop a penny on the ground.

When I am taking too long at the check-out counter of the food store because of my coupons.

When I change my mind in line at Starbucks from a green tea to a black tea.

When I can’t get my Metro card to work on the Subway and the guy behind me looks like he’s going to bite my head off.

When I need an extra minute to decide when I want off the menu at a restaurant.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately and listening to myself say these words numerous times a day.

Have you ever counted how many times a day you say, “I’m Sorry?”

Overhead image of several large tomatoes

Well, me neither.

But, honestly. I’m sure it’s a lot.

A whole lot.

Why?

Why do we do this?

Why is this phrase so commonly used? So easy to slip of the ol’ tongue? So ‘okay’ to say every second of every day?

Closeup of the top of three large tomatoes

So, I’ve decided to take a step back. To analyze why I’m saying sorry to every little itsy bitsy teeny weeny thing.

And starting taking more time for Me.

For my well being.

For Amie Jo.

That’s right.

Do I feel a bit selfish? Well, sure. But am I happy? You betcha.

And it’s bliss. Even at the most quiet, loneliest times in your life… if you just sit with yourself, reflect, breathe and let out all that air and huffy puffy “sorry”s from your day, then yes then you will realize life was meant to be this way.

The way of You.

And how has that changed me?

Close up of the tops of three large reddish tomatoes

When I want a few, quiet minutes alone to meditate, make a nice meal and enjoy and savor each bite alone.

When I just don’t feel like doing anything but lying in bed and reading.

When I turn off my phone for a few moments of silence and quiet time.

When I wake up at 6AM one day a week to do yoga.

When I stretch every morning.

When I buy organic produce and nutritious, wholesome, clean food.

When I eat it.

A large tomato

Throughout all of these instances, I’m smiling. If not on the outside, I am on the inside. I’ve been told by people throughout my entire life that I am the bubbliest, most positive, energetic, outgoing, kindest person.

And ya know what? After all I’ve been through these past few years with my health… I’m ready to live. And really feel Good.

So sayonara sorry.

And hello Me time.

It’s kinda fun.

Several bright red tomatoes

Sorry Tomato Salsa
Serves: 4
 
Prep
Cook
Total
 
Vegan and Gluten-Free
Author: Amie Valpone
Recipe type: Entree

Ingredients

  • 4 large Heirloom tomatoes, diced
  • 1 large ripe avocado peeled, pitted and diced
  • 2 scallions, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/6 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/8 tsp. white pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients into a food processor; pulse on low speed for 30 seconds.
  2. Remove from food processor; transfer to serving bowl. Serve with tortilla chips, crudités or gluten-free crackers.  Use as a topping for salads, tacos, omelets, fish and tofu dishes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts
Sorry Tomato Salsa
Amount Per Serving
Calories 107 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 91mg4%
Potassium 552mg16%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 1246IU25%
Vitamin C 23mg28%
Calcium 23mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Do you find yourself apologizing for everything? If so, why do you think that is?

 

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16 comments

    1. Haha; you are hysterical. I hope you love this salsa—don’t be sorry…it’s delish, hehe…Have a great night Liz; great to hear from you.
      xo
      Amie

  1. Good for you, Amie! My husband and I were just talking about how we both say “sorry” way too often… I even say it when people walk into *me* on the sidewalk! And I have no idea why!! You’re right that it is completely silly to do this all the time, and it is waaay too common (especially among women I think…). Way to take charge 🙂

    Also the salsa looks delicious

    1. I agree…it’s crazy, isn’t it? Why do we do that…I just caught myself again today saying Sorry…thanks for your comment and great to hear from you, Kristina! ENjoy your night.

  2. Oh Amie – i hear you from all the way over here. I say sorry to everyone but never myself. Love the idea of reading a book in bed all day – that sounds like heaven to me. Beautiful photos and a delightful refreshing recipe as well.

    1. Thank you and so great to hear from you, Sherilyn. xoox Wish you lived closer so we could get together. Have a wonderful night!

  3. Love this post. Thank you, Amie. I think we all say “sorry” far too often. We need to stop the empty apologies, and step up to life! And those tomatoes are simply gorgeous!

    1. YOU just made my night; I miss you darling. How are you? We are overdue for a chit chat and catch up. So happy to hear from you and hope all is well with you. Thank you for your comment. xo

  4. I apologize to everyone – except myself. I criticize, judge and shame my own self. I know the key to change is acceptance first. And in order to accept – I need to start showing myself kindness and compassion…

    So, no you are not selfish Amie Jo. And this post made me cry because it resonates so with me. I wish I could be comfortable enough with myself to just sit and read or write. Without thinking I have to do something, eat certain things or be a certain way.

    …and I also love salsa 😉

  5. Yes I do the same thing, apologize for absolutely everything, till it really doesn’t mean anything anymore. I grew up with a pretty healthy guilt complex, for various reasons, and I think that plays in? I also have a horror of anyone being disappointed with me, and so it’s a reflexive response to say Sorry for anything that might have caused anyone any distress, even though 90% of the time it wasn’t my fault at all, or even in my control! Crazy, we are! Glad you’re taking Amie time, so glad, and thanks for a great post! Reminds me to keep a lid on my sorry’s :).

    1. Thanks Bethany…it’s such a nice release to not have to say ‘Sorry’ isn’t it?
      xo Hope all is well with you; have a great night!