Open Your Heart (pride will lead to life regrets)
Many of us are what are called HSPs (highly-sensitive people). Say one hurtful thing to us, and we will scurry away to sulk (sometimes for years). Sensitive souls are usually very kind and good people. But we can be a bit masochistic, in that we end up self-sabotaging our lives, as we can’t open our hearts.
This is not because we are cold. But because if we out from our armour (especially to someone who has hurt us), we are frightened we will get emotionally battered again. So it’s far better to buckle up, pull up all the zips, do up all the buttons, and stay inside.
But the problem with that – you end up not having a life!
There are so many wonderful opportunities open to you, if you manage to open your heart, even a little bit. If pride and fear of ‘having to talk’ about difficult subjects, having to explain past actions or how you feel is too difficult – then that’s fine.
But not opening your heart to those you love, could just mean – that you lose them forever. And you may spend the rest of your life regretting it.
However hard it is to open up (perhaps you told fibs to protect your pride and heart), telling the truth is likely not as difficult as you think – sometimes people are willing to listen!
Is it really worth it? Comedian Jerry Seinfield once joked that a survey had found that the thing people most feared was doing an eulogy at a funeral. They would rather be in the casket, than talking about the person in it! That’s a bit like what ‘closed-off’ people are like.
And it means they miss out on so many opportunities – deep friendship, funny times, interesting conversations where they can’t stop talking to one another, adventurous travel, going on safari (even in your backyard), watching trees grow, good music, changing the world, gazing at sunsets and sunrises, and anything else that makes life worth living!
Although sensitive people with a lot of pride may think others understand, in the end it can have the opposite effect: a closed heart can lead to lack of empathy, even if that’s not the intention.
It breaks down trust, and leads the people you love to feel lonely and hurt. And that’s not good is it? Surely you can see that by letting down your guard just a little bit, can lead to slow and authentic healing. And that’s good?!
A closed heart often stems from guarding against emotional pain. But in doing so, it also shuts out love, joy and the ability to feel.
You open your heart, knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day. And in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. Bob Marley
Can’t Reach Someone? Say a Prayer and Send a Blessing
If you try to reach out to someone whose heart has closed off, then don’t be angry. You can’t force things, but you could just let them know you are there. And send them a blessing, and say a prayer for them, like this one from an unknown poet:
I said a prayer for you today,
And I know God must have heard.
I felt the answer in my heart,
Although He spoke no word.I didn’t ask for wealth or fame,
I knew you wouldn’t mind.
I asked Him to send treasures,
Of a far more lasting kind.I asked that He’d be near you,
At the start of each new day.
To grant you health and blessings,
And friends to share your way.I asked for happiness for you,
In all things great and small.
But it was for His loving care,
I prayed the most of all
