I was reading an article about resolving conflict
and among all the scenarios and advice, the words that slipped off the page and
into my brain were “tend to your own heart.” The words kept bouncing around
like a mantra until I decided to explore the words mentally.
We are faced daily with contentious opinions on
every subject imaginable. Of course, this close to an election, it is easy to
find an argument without even looking. The entire political climate is volatile
with strong words erupting from all directions.
Insults and
shouting is not going to change anyone’s mind whose opinion is set in stone.
Apparently, reality is based on personal opinion and cherry-picked facts or
pseudo facts. Two sides to every story has turned into an octagon with two
being opposing opinions and the other six being conspiracy theories.
The only way to inner peace is to tend to your own
heart. When you know your opinions rest easy in your soul, you are on the right
track.
During many times and situations throughout life,
it is important to tend to your own heart. A caregiver must tend to his or her
own heart on a daily basis. If you immerse your entire being into tending to
the wants and needs of another, you risk not only losing your own health, but
also your sense of self.
A conscientious caregiver wants to be the best
care partner possible, but to take care of another, you must also take care of
yourself. No one can be on duty twenty-four hours a day and stay healthy. A
must for a caregiver is respite—a time for relaxation and relief from the
overwhelming responsibility of becoming a lifeline for another human.
Another
time to tend to your own heart is when you have lost a loved one. During a
recent conversation with my son, we agreed that my sister-in-law, his aunt,
died from a broken heart. When the love of her life passed away, she lost the
will to live.
Within the past week, I personally know two people who
lost their beloved spouses. I really believe that both of them will tend to
their own hearts and embrace a changed world. It isn’t necessary to stop loving
someone you lost, but important to keep on loving your family and friends who
are still living. Grief doesn’t go away, but it becomes manageable when you
focus on the future while cherishing your memories.
The happiest people are the ones who have
confidence they can deal with any situation life throws at them. A positive
attitude allows you to move forward no matter what adversity you face in life. Tending
to your own heart will make you a stronger, happier person.
Copyright © September 2024
by L.S. Fisher
http://earlyonset.blogspot.com
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