Yesterday I attended the celebration of a remarkable woman, whose long life spanned 87 years! As I sat in the chapel listening to the eulogy offered by one of her sons, and the subsequent comments made by others who knew her well, I was touched by the impact of a single life, of one heart.
We are extraordinary creatures, you and I. We each have the ability within us to grow, to evolve, to learn, to adapt, to share, to survive, to serve, to smile, to love. But not love in a singular way. This is what amazes me: our heart’s potential to love expands with each new person we invite into its space. And love – or the way we love others – isn’t defined in one or two ways. Oh, no. There are so many ways we can choose to love those around us. By simply opening our hearts and inviting someone into that space, we expand our very capacity to give.
When I pause to reflect on the innumerable lives that have impacted my own, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, and my heart swells again, allowing for more growth and a desire that more invitations be extended. People are marvelous! Look around you – and if you’re like me – do you wonder about others’ stories? What creates and makes a life? Burdens? Yes, we each carry them. Knowledge and wisdom from our personal life journey? Shouldn’t we be sharing it? Unique qualities? I’m grateful we’re not all the same!
Sometimes, all we need to grow is a random little life moment that is unplanned and unexpected, but whose sudden appearance causes a seismic shift on the inside of you. You’ll need fewer than five minutes to watch this video created by SoulPancake (and, yeah, how can you not love that name?).
Here’s to happier hearts for everyone. Let me know how you choose to share yours.