What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
As I work with E to diligently write the names of each of his class members on Valentine cards to celebrate the holiday this Friday, it raises a larger question. How am I living a life with heart? And how can I encourage my son to live a life with heart? As I reflect on individuals I admire, a “life with heart” helps describe them. I notice those individuals choose integrity, have a clear sense of purpose and strive for significant contribution. They also demonstrate empathy, love and care and value service. They have a strong sense of who they are, how they can use their strengths, understand their limitations and boundaries and advocate for what they need. Self-reflection and self-expression are present. Maybe it means having the courage to face your fears. The “life with heart” may mean not running from emotions or considering some “bad” or “negative” but accepting all emotions as facilitators of self-understanding and tools for decision-making and growth.
When I did a search on “life with heart,” website after website arose focused on heart failure, illness and disease. And although heart is the name of one of our vital bodily organs, it also remains a broadly accepted symbol representing love, emotion, passion, worth, empathy and more. Together, let’s give meaning to a “life with heart.” I’d like to hear from you.
How do you live a life with heart?
How do you encourage your children to live a life with heart?
Reply by this Friday, February 14th and I’ll post your responses on Valentine’s Day. My best to you and your loved ones as you go about living your lives with heart.