Happy new year! There were a whole bunch of quotes and essays (in the form of Facebook status updates… or were they Facebook status updates in the form of essays?) flying around the past few days, but this one from TCM (Turner Classic Movies) was the one that really caught my heart.
This is the wish I have for you too — a 2016 that’s gentler, kinder and more loving. We both know that that won’t start with the person next to you. It won’t start with your kid. It won’t start with your husband or your wife. It won’t start with your boss. It won’t start with your colleague. It won’t start with your teacher. It won’t start with your friend.
A gentler, kinder 2016 starts with a kinder, gentler you.
Here’s the thing though. A kinder, gentler you means being kind and gentle to yourself. Now that can be super hard. But it’s something you have to do for yourself. It means putting yourself first, not in a selfish way, but in a loving way. Because how can you take care of others if you can’t take care of yourself? How can you be kind and gentle to others if you’re short on kindness and gentleness to yourself?
The wonderful thing about this is when you’re kind and gentle to yourself, you become so much more loving, so much more joyful. The people around you can sense that. Do you know how much an impact you have on those around you? A big one, my friend. The love and joy you radiate makes others feel loved and joyful too.
So here’s to being kind and gentle to ourselves this 2016. You can do it. WE can do it. Think about a kind and gentle thing you can do for yourself right after you read this blog post. Then embrace the joy and love you’ll feel. It’ll be awesome.
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
A Gracious Life
January 4, 2016 at 10:02 am (8 years ago)This is a beautiful reminder to start the year. Thanks Toni. With all the doing and racing one is all ready to do, this is such an important thought to hold onto , along with our goals. Happy 2016!
A Gracious Life´s last blog post ..Thoughtful Thursday | To Wonder and To Ponder this December
Jackie
January 5, 2016 at 12:51 pm (8 years ago)What a beautiful reminder. I think that many of us aim to be better by pushing ourselves harder, but people forget that we also need to care for our hearts and the betterment of our souls, too. Thank you for this gentle reminder and I will try to keep this is mind.
Toni
January 7, 2016 at 8:38 pm (8 years ago)That’s wonderful to hear. *hugs* The kindness we give ourselves spills over to the kindness we show others!
Madz
January 5, 2016 at 7:05 pm (8 years ago)I agree that it’s quite difficult to be kind to oneself. I wonder why. Thanks for this valuable insight.
Toni
January 7, 2016 at 8:38 pm (8 years ago)It’s easier to be tougher on ourselves, I guess? We are our own harshest critics.
Eva
January 7, 2016 at 3:40 pm (8 years ago)I agree with this blog post Ms. Toni. To be kind and gentle to myself this year is on my list.
Toni
January 7, 2016 at 8:37 pm (8 years ago)Let’s remind each other from time to time!
Carmel
January 7, 2016 at 7:45 pm (8 years ago)Thanks, Toni! I super need this. Start of the year pa lang nastress na ako! Hahaha!
Toni
January 7, 2016 at 8:34 pm (8 years ago)Let’s go out for lunch this month.
Or is breakfast better? Let me know! Same area naman tayo. 😀
Tina
January 9, 2016 at 8:08 am (8 years ago)Love this, Toni!
Especially this part: “Do you know how much an impact you have on those around you?” Yikes! I need to remember this every day, especially since I’m always with the kids! 
Hehe! Hugs, classmate!
Toni
January 17, 2016 at 1:56 am (8 years ago)Yes! Every little action we have is keenly observed by our kids, diba? Hugs to you too!!!
Sareena Dayaram
January 10, 2016 at 4:40 pm (8 years ago)It’s true – we often are our own toughest critics, so this is such an important reminder. Thank you for sharing this and hope I can implement better this year!
Toni
January 17, 2016 at 1:55 am (8 years ago)Let’s support each other to be kinder and gentler!