This is a short piece that grew out of Agreement 9 — specifically out of the accountability work in that chapter. It's not long. It doesn't need to be. But it's one of those things that, once you get your arms around it, changes how you show up for those that mean the most to you

Sometimes, after I've acted out as a total jerk to Narelle, I come to her with my tail between my legs and a quiet "I'm sorry." Most of the time, she accepts it warmly. Other times, she needs a little more skin in the game — a back rub, a foot rub, something tangible.

That's restitution. It's a natural and beautiful outgrowth of accountability, and it can deepen healing in ways a simple apology can't. It's a sign or token of love and commitment. A way of saying: I don't just feel it. I want to show you.

As someone once said: "Sorries walk. Back rubs talk."