Today, a very contrite Tiger Woods apologized to his family, business partners, foundation and fans. He took complete responsibility for the actions that brought his personal and professional life to a screeching halt. He didn’t hide behind the “issues” he is facing, instead he apologized saying: “I want to say to each of you, simply and directly, I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in.”

What a striking difference from the emphatic denials by former President Bill Clinton and Senator John Edwards when initial rumors about their extra-marital affairs were reported.

It is refreshing to hear someone with superstar status admit to human indiscretions. We are all human. We all make mistakes. Until we learn the lesson behind those mistakes, we continue to make bigger and bigger errors until the universe bonks us in the head. That’s why I encourage each and every one of you to look for the lesson in any difficult event that you experience. It could be you something you did or that happened to you. Whatever it is, the chaos ends and healing begins when you look for the lesson. This is one of the most powerful steps of the forgiveness process: learn the lesson.

Later in his press briefing Tiger shared : “ I once heard, and I believe it’s true, it’s not what you achieve in life that matters; it’s what you overcome.” Well Tiger, I would like to add that when you learn the lesson(s) from what you have overcome, integrate those lessons into a new belief system, you not only change your life and the lives of those around you, you affect the world, as well.

Tiger, like all of us, has the opportunity to turn a painful experience into a powerful, teachable moment.

My most traumatic experiences have brought the deepest healing and most powerful lessons to me.

I say to Tiger and to each of you reading this blog, you are powerful beyond measure and have the ability to change your life. This is my hope for you. Today, tomorrow and always.