Oftentimes we associate a broken heart 💔 with a negative connotation. A broken heart can symbolize sadness, loneliness, and depression. In my studies, it even has a name - Broken Heart Syndrome. It is caused by traumatic life events such as the death of a loved one, a physical injury, or even an emotional memory. The syndrome occurs when a surge of stress hormones cause short-term heart muscle failure and then death.

My thoughts: Although the typical broken heart is painful, it proves that love resides within. The pain is only felt after a love experience. For instance, these heart shaped candy holders serve their purpose when filled up with sweet treats. What’s inside is useless to the consumer if it is never opened up. All the good stuff is on the inside. It’s just like our human hearts. Until we open our hearts and let love flow in and out, no one will ever experience all the good on the inside.

Be encouraged and know this. Opening your heart or being vulnerable is risky. It can lead to a broken heart for better or for worse. The joy experienced along the way is well worth the risk.

On another note, be willing to let your heart be broken for the better. Be willing to let love in and let love out. Sometimes it takes a child to come along and open your heart to feelings and ideas you never knew existed. I can relate. My 7 children have “broken my heart wide open” but in a good way. For that, I am grateful; it’s well worth the risk. 💯