We have all been hurt or damaged in some way by the actions of another. Once the shock has worn off over what happened, we are often left with bitterness and resentment at the other person. We hold on to the pain and by doing so, we end up creating a barrier around our heart. This barrier protects us from harm, but it also prevents us from receiving love from others. This fear of what may happen again prevents us from being able to receive the gift of love today.
In order to receive love, we must be vulnerable. Just as a closed hand cannot receive, neither can a closed heart. Anytime we allow ourselves to be truly open to another we can get hurt. We must trust that if we are hurt, we are strong enough to take the pain. We must know that there is a greater meaning to every interaction with another.
We can choose not to be vulnerable, but we will never know the joy of truly loving another. If you truly desire to be loved, open your heart so you that you can receive love’s grace.
Today, I will not allow my past experiences to shut out the possibility of love in the present.
Sil Lai Abrams is the author of No More Drama: Nine Simple Steps to Transforming a Breakdown into a Breakthrough, an inspirational speaker and empowerment specialist, and Men's Fitness magazine’s relationship expert. Follow her on Twitter @sil_lai or email her at info@sepiaprocess.com.