Two days ago, I watched a true-life story about a former juvenile delinquent on TV. Although it has a typical bad-boy-turned-good plot, it still filled my heart with warmth at the end of it.
The last few minutes of the show saw the protagonist reunited with his high school principal, who gave him chances again and again despite all the broken promises and willful acts. Filled with remorse as well as gratitude, the young man gave a bunch of purple hyacinths to the retired principal to say how sorry he was for causing all those years of troubles and anguish.
In your heart, perhaps there’s also someone whom you’d wanted to say “I’m sorry”. But you didn’t because you’re convinced that it was never your fault, at least not entirely. Maybe you had wanted to but you were afraid that forgiveness will not come easy even if you asked for it. Or probably, you even took repentance as a display of weakness and should never be allowed.
Despite all these rationalizations, at the back of your mind, you wished you had said it. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be thinking about it when you lay awake at night, while eating by yourself, or as you walk down that familiar road. But still, you couldn’t bring yourself to say it.
But think of it this way: Why choose to bind yourself in guilt, sadness or disappointment when two simple words could have given you freedom? Why let some action or inaction that has long passed grows into a heavy stone in your heart?
The best way to say “I’m sorry” is of course to say it in person. But if courage is lacking, letter and card writing are viable options too. They save you from the ordeal of facing a rejected apology, which is what most people are scare of.
Here are two cards which I’ve created to help saying “I’m sorry” less traumatic. Each card is available in PDF and image (PNG) versions. You can choose either to print out the card in color or black-and-white with the PDF version, or use the image version in a HTML email.
“I’m Sorry” Card Design 1
The first design is inspired by the story which I’ve mentioned earlier. It has a stalk of purple hyacinth flower and the unmistakable words “I’m sorry…”.
PDF Format
PNG Format & How It Looks in an Email Client
Click on the Download button below and then right click to save the PNG file to your computer
“I’m Sorry” Card Design 2
The second design is more fun, and in my opinion, works just as well. Be forewarned that if you use this card, you may have to end up buying the card recipient a nice meal at one of the Michelin 3-star restaurants. But, isn’t that a delectable way to make up? 
PDF Format
PNG Format & How It Looks in an Email Client
Click on the Download button below and then right click to save the PNG file to your computer
Note: Both cards are meant only for non-commercial use. Do let me know which one you like best in the comments!
[...] Have you been wanting to say sorry, but can’t quite bring yourself to do it? One of these free cards might just do the trick. Head over to The Conscious Life and read Say “I’m Sorry!” with Style. [...]
What an excellent idea – so simple yet so powerful.
The simplest ideas as ever are always the best.
Tonight before I doze off I am going to reflect on whom I need to ask for forgiveness and come with some creative ideas for making up:-)
Thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks for dropping by, Arvind. Hope you’ll patch up with those you’ve in mind. But even if forgiveness doesn’t come in the first try, don’t give up. Try again next time with even more creative ways!