Putting events in chronological order

Truthfully, I labored for hours last weekend compiling the following message (below the lines). Here I am, days later, ready to publish... but only after I prepared the blog / message that follows this one. Today's message from BeliefNet about "apologies" really spoke to my heart and conscience. I want to apologize if I have hurt anyone with my messages regarding my experience with my Little Guy Teardrop trailer. Notice: "my" experience with "my" Little Guy. ~~ Putting events in chronological order.
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There is one thing I find frustrating about a "blog": Reverse order!! The most current message is at the top. The readers may be confused because they don't know the events that went in to the current comments. I'm going to attempt to put the details in chronological order.

The first problem appeared in late May 2009 when I opened Little Guy for the first time after the long winter. No help... because "your warranty has expired."

The second problem was repaired in July. Later, I published pictures of the repair project.

The reoccurring problem, and a solution.

The owner of the company that manufacturers Little Guy spoke to me (on the phone) several times regarding scheduled pick up of my trailer. I emptied it completely and stayed home waiting for the truck. I wrote this e-mail message.

I had plenty of time so I published a series of blogs titled How-I-Do-It (September 6th through September 14th). Off topic, yes, but valuable reading for someone new to camping with a Teardrop trailer.

It seemed to me there would never be a truck to pick up my Little Guy. During a phone conversation regarding another delay, I quite unexpectedly asked if I could take Little Guy to Elkhart. The owner seemed delighted by my suggestion and offered to pay all my expenses. Then I was undecided.

I published numerous blogs about my trip to, and from, Northern Indiana. Here is my Greetings from Elkhart.

I checked on the progress of the repair.

I did a lot of sightseeing while waiting for the trailer.

Eight days later my Little Guy and I were reunited. OK, Lorraine, if you said the repairs were excellent, why are you writing negative blogs??

I'm not the only owner of a Little Guy Teardrop trailer that has experienced problems. I saw many units at the manufacturing site, in Elkhart, awaiting repairs. Mine seemed insignificant compared to others I saw. And "Charlie" had a tail light fall off and drag along the highway--while he was pulling his Little Guy!!. He had only had his Little Guy for about three months!! He bought it because he talked to me while I was camping at Lake Powhatan. His unit was already showing water damage.

I stopped writing blogs and published an apology. I explained that I was so sick. Feeling an obligation to my readers, I published What Happened to Lorraine?? . Perhaps I had too much time to think!! No phone call from Little Guy in Canton, or Little Trailer Company in Elkhart, to see if I was happy with the repairs. The receipts had been photocopied, and mailed, and I have proof they were delivered--but no reimbursement. Charlie phoned several times to tell me about the "run around" he was getting regarding repairs.

I wrote, and published, Time for brutal honesty!! followed three days later by Time for brutal honesty!! (continued).

The owner of Little Guy read my recent blog and called to explain that everything had been resolved. I expressed my appreciation.

Charlie's trailer was not picked up on Thursday as promised!!

In conclusion, I wrote Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Tales--What he said is not what he meant.

The Power of a Sincere Apology

The Power of a Sincere Apology

By Ariane de Bonvoisin, author of The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Making Any Change Easier, now available in paperback.

Apologies happen—sometimes multiple times a day. We apologize when we unintentionally say something hurtful, when we make a mistake at work, or when we bump into somebody on the street. And then there are the bigger apologies—those what we should have addressed months or years ago. Maybe we said something to alienate someone, perhaps we judged too quickly or did something that we regret. Saying “I'm sorry” remains one of the hardest things to do. We justify our actions, we present half-apologies, we blame the one we’ve hurt, or we expect something in return. Yet a true apology can clear the air and potentially heal a relationship.

Here are 10 guidelines on how to truly say "sorry."

Align Head and Heart

It’s easy to say “I’m sorry,” but meaning it is another story. A true apology occurs when the heart and head are in alignment, when you intellectually and emotionally accept the responsibility for causing another person pain, even if you’ve done it unintentionally. Becoming accountable for your actions is the foundation of an honest apology.

Write Before Speaking

If you are struggling to find the right words, write your apology down first. Writing gives you the space and time to see how you really feel—for instance, you’ll discover whether you are truly sorry or whether you harbor any lingering hostility toward the person. Its important to deal with these feelings before approaching the one you’ve hurt, or you may reopen the conflict.

Don't Expect Anything in Return

A true apology is a selfless act—an apology is insincere when it is about wanting (forgiveness, attention,) and not about giving. If you hurt a loved one with words or actions, take a moment to accept your role in what has happened and to imagine how you would feel if the same was done to you. At that point you can begin to make an apology that requires nothing from the one who is receiving it. Keep it simple: “I understand that I really hurt you and I want you to know that I am truly sorry.”

Don't Respond Defensively

When you apologize you are tapping into humility by acknowledging your weaknesses and recognizing the grace of another human being. For example, if a friend tells you that you hurt her feelings by saying something insensitive, acknowledge the slip without becoming defensive or blaming (i.e. “I thought you wanted me to be honest with you!” or “You always speak like that to me”). When it’s time to apologize, experiment with something like this: “I didn’t realize that my words were so hurtful, but I can see now how they must have stung. I truly am sorry that I caused you any pain.”

Create a Clear Intention

Be sure to clarify the intention of your apology—even when the person you’ve hurt is not open to receiving your words. Ask yourself if you truly are sorry that you’ve inflicted pain and when the answer is “yes,” work to find the appropriate words to illustrate your feelings. Regardless of the words you choose, your true intention will shine through—so be honest with yourself before approaching another with an apology.

Be Present

A sincere apology can be spoken, written, or simply felt strongly (for example, when directed at somebody who has passed on). There is no right way to articulate your feelings of apology. All you need to do is acknowledge your part in the other person’s pain without rushing through the moment.

Commit to Being Better

A sincere apology also includes a commitment to become a better person—to avoid making the same mistake again. After acknowledging the ways in which you hurt another, make an effort to express the ways in which you will act differently in the future. For example: “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. Now that I know that speaking in that tone of voice rubs you the wrong way, I will work to change the way I approach you.”

Remain Grounded and Accepting

As you prepare to say you’re sorry—and during the actual apology— stay grounded and strong; be with the uncomfortable feelings that arise within you; and accept whatever reaction you get from the other person.

Drop Your Justifications

Our tendency is take things personally, so personally that our egos and minds convince us that we were justified in acting in a way that hurt another person. We focus on the “why” instead of their feelings. Instead of acknowledging that we’ve contributed to sadness or anger or disappointment in another, we hide behind reasons for doing what we did. An apology is sincere when we are able to recognize the feeling and move past the “why.”

Release Guilt, Soothe Pain

Though a true apology is selfless, by nature it is also mutually beneficial. A sincere apology releases the heart from guilt while soothing the pain of another. Guilt robs the soul of joy and inner peace. By making a heartfelt apology, you acknowledge the hurt you’ve inflicted on another, releasing his or her pain while also defusing your guilt. This can also begin the process of restoring the trust that’s been broken.

Honesty

To be honest means to speak the truth, even if it's difficult or gets you into trouble. Honest people com-municate in an open, upfront way; they do not lie, cheat, steal, or manipulate information to conceal it from others. The exception is occasionally telling a "white lie" to protect someone's feelings. In recent days we have seen how dishonesty harms other people, even causing financial and political ruin. Today more than ever, children need to learn the importance of keeping their word, telling the truth, and being trustworthy. Honesty isn't just the best policy—it's the only way society can function.

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Copied from BeliefNet, Daily Inspiration.
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