Lesson I reflect on from the past year. LOH#166

Hello dear ladies of hive community, I am grateful to stumble on this topic and also to write on it, it is always a privilege to share wonderful thoughts and experiences of life here on the blockchain.

As I reflect back on this past year, one lesson stands out that profoundly impacted me as a woman the power of leading with kindness.

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In today's increasingly polarized world, it can be tempting to fight fire with fire, harshness with harshness. I admit I previously gave in to lashing out in anger or judgment, adding negative fuel to already burning situations. But this year I committed to reversing that destructive pattern.

When faced with cruelty from others, I tapped into wells of compassion within rather than retaliate. When outrage stirred in my heart, I took deep breaths reconnecting to love's wisdom that darkness cannot dispel darkness. And when my mind spun judging those who judge, I consciously shifted perspective towards understanding rather than writing them off.

The ripples generated by responding to callousness with care, listening without interruption and seeing divinity cloaked in hate were deeply moving. Where I expected confrontation, space opened for honest dialogue. Where I braced for attack, hands reached out in conciliation. My heart softened and walls lowered. Theirs followed.

I realized no lasting change can occur when we demonize opponents. Only by upholding their humanity while setting clear boundaries can shared understanding grow. This takes courage and patience, but pays dividends over time. Even baby steps matter.

Now when anger or fear tempts me, I close my eyes and reconnect to love's essence within all beings. I remember that hurt people often hurt people. But hurt healed can heal the world. We all carry wounds in need of mending, some lashing out, some closing down.

But I have learned that remaining open, vulnerable and rooted in compassion sets an example that dissolves barriers insurmountable through force. The divine feminine power lives within me, within us all, and its whisper can calm storms. I need only trust and listen.

Of course some conflicts demand assertive confrontation of injustice too. I have not abandoned my voice or determination for equality. But the energy behind actions speaks volumes. When grounded in care for our shared humanity, bold change becomes possible without compromising principles.

This revelation profoundly changed my approach to life this past year. The old adage lead with love rings truer than ever. Meeting the world first with compassion should be my instinct. This applies online and in person. Because our hyperconnected reality means one callous tweet can rupture lives. But one considerate reply can also restore hope. We forget our immense influence on others, for good or for ill.

So I strive to wield whatever small influence I have with thoughtful kindness. The light often needed is found in how we make others feel. I'm learning this light can kindle lights in infinite others and keep despair at bay. We are boundless mirrors reflecting each other.

Of course some days I lose patience, feel bitter or sad. I'm still human. But now I forgive myself and recommit to staying open-hearted. Perfection is impossible. Progress is everything.

This lesson continues unfolding. But I wanted to express gratitude for how choosing gentleness shifted my life and view of leadership. Lead with love. Always.