Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness – Seneca
After a year of having kindness as my guiding theme, it seems to me that kindness forms a rock-solid base from which to operate in life. I have become stronger in a softer kind of way, not just with myself, but with those around me. I have been far more mindful of my first reactions to things, and I think the year has smoothed off some of my rough edges, without sacrificing the inherent sass and cheekiness in me.
Throughout the year I saw unbidden reminders in my social media feeds and in books and movies, I noticed more often when others were kind in ways that I would not have thought of. Each of these helped to teach me and nudge me when I strayed off track.
I have this quote on a mug and read it several times a week as I have my morning coffee. It is a fabulously pointed reminder to be kind to myself and others:
I promise to not be an asshole to myself. Hell, I promise to love myself. I will remember that my self-worth is not based on what I look like, how much I weigh, how many followers I have, or any other stupid crap that has nothing to do with who I am. I will empower other girls and women. I will be kind. Fiercely kind. I will have a sense of humour. I will do my best not to gossip, create drama, or judge others (or myself). I will remember that just because I’ve had a bad day, doesn’t mean I have a bad life. And even on the crappiest days, I will remember this: I am enough. – Jennifer Pastiloff
I will have a fresh theme for the year ahead, but the habits that I have formed this year will continue.
“The plain fact is that the planet does not need more successful people. But it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of every kind. It needs people who live well in their places. It needs people of moral courage willing to join the fight to make the world habitable and humane. And these qualities have little to do with success as we have defined it.” – David W. Orr
