Lately, I’ve felt a weight pressing down—not crushing, but constant. It’s the kind of heaviness that comes from living in a world that feels harder than it should be. And yet, as I’ve reflected on what I need most, one word keeps coming back to me: gentleness.
Not gentleness as weakness, but gentleness as power—a way to face this world with audacious self-acceptance, relentless self-care, and radical love.
The weight we’ve carried
Over the past year, many of us have felt the world’s burdens more acutely. The uncertainty and challenges we face as women and mothers often feel unrelenting. From the relentless noise of external expectations to the self-doubt we battle internally, the weight has been heavy.
But here’s the thing: now that we’ve noticed it, we can start to shed it.
Thanks to the efforts of women everywhere—those who fight for us and those we fight for—we’re beginning to rise. And as we rise, we can lean into a strength that doesn’t have to look loud or fierce to be powerful.
Related: Why I prioritize self-compassion as a new mom
What gentleness looks like
Gentleness isn’t about stepping back; it’s about stepping into who we are with confidence. It’s lifting the burdens that no longer serve us and replacing them with care, intention, and kindness—both for ourselves and for those we love.
Here’s how I’m bringing gentleness into my life this year:
Gentleness with myself
This year, I’m done trying to change who I am. I’m setting aside the need to please everyone and stepping into unapologetic self-acceptance. I’ll continue to apologize when I make mistakes, but I won’t apologize for being myself.
Because here’s the truth: I am good enough as I am, in my natural state.
Gentleness with my body
For so long, I’ve ignored the signals my body sends me—the fatigue, the discomfort, the hunger. I’ve powered through it all, thinking that’s what success looks like. But this year, I’m listening.
- When I’m tired, I’ll rest. Even if it’s at 9 p.m. every night for a week.
- When I’m hungry, I’ll ask myself what my body truly needs. Sometimes that’ll mean a salad; other times, it’ll mean a burger and fries—and both will be okay.
- When I need to move, I’ll honor that too. Whether it’s yoga, Zumba, or a dance party with my kids, I’ll make space for movement that feels joyful.
Gentleness with my children
As a mom, I often find myself rushing. “Quick like bunnies,” I say, hustling us from one thing to the next. But this year, I’m slowing down. I want to savor the moments that make motherhood so sweet.
- I’ll spend a day in pajamas reading books and building towers, with no agenda in sight.
- I’ll sit down to watch a movie with them, not put one on to ‘get stuff done.’
- I’ll stop to watch the “eagles” (really seagulls) in the parking lot, and be just as fascinated as they are.
- And when bedtime stretches longer than I planned, I’ll cherish falling asleep beside them—knowing these moments won’t last forever.
My commitment to gentleness
In 2024, my word was fierce, and I’m proud of how fiercely I showed up for myself and others. But this year, I’m making space for gentleness—because I believe that from gentleness comes strength.
My gentleness will look like:
- Audacious self-acceptance: Owning who I am without apology.
- Relentless self-care: Listening to my needs and honoring them.
- Radical love: Showing up with grace for myself and those I care about.
This isn’t about backing down. It’s about standing tall, tending to the flame within me, and nurturing the flames of others. Together, we can create a world that is not just fierce, but also kind. A world that makes space for audacious, relentless, radical gentleness.
Related: Here’s how to love on yourself + your family this week ❤️
A version of this post was published December 8, 2017. It has been updated.
