The heart is much stronger than we give it credit for. It is capable of bearing incredibly heavy burdens and suffering shattering blows. And through it all it still retains the ability to love, even those responsible. It is an organ which perseveres. It is an organ which remains strong. It is an organ that endures on.
The heart will forgive you when you push it to its limits. When you have gone too far or given too much, it hurts for a while and then it heals. In situations where it should give up on you, it stands firm.
The heart is a miraculous thing, for it is the source of joy, hope and love. It should not be lightly given, nor should it be ignored. It should remain open. The greatest gift we can give one another is an open heart. Baring the love of an open heart is a great gift.
I have been afraid to be that open or give that much for a long time. That fear has darkened things meant to be bright, saddened things meant to be happy and complicated things meant to be simple. The world provides a plethora of reasons to doubt love and fear vulnerability. The true challenge is not to succumb to the desire to withdraw. Strength lies in believing even though you may not have a reason to believe.
In this blossoming year I am making a promise to myself to be the open, trusting and giving person I know myself to be. I am promising to let go of fear. I am promising to open myself to those around me. I am promising to believe in love.