28 DOSL- Maria 2023

I am openhearted

“In my thirties, I learned that there is a type of pain in life that I want to feel. It’s the inevitable, excruciating, necessary pain of losing beautiful things: trust, dreams, health, animals, relationships, people. This kind of pain is the price of love, the cost of living a brave, openhearted life—and I’ll pay it.

There is another kind of pain that comes not from losing beautiful things but from never even trying for them. I’ve felt that kind of pain in my life. I recognize it on others’ faces. It’s the pain of a woman who has slowly abandoned herself.” — @glennondoyle”

“This affirmation is me accepting that I refuse to live this one, precious life having abandoned myself. The last few years have forged and activated an internal strength that I simply didn't know I possessed. A younger version of me would have kept busy and not allowed herself to feel all the deep emotions. I've always had this big, beautiful heart, but for so long I've run from it. Leaning into our openheartedness requires us to lean into the discomfort, rather than avoid it. I've slowed down. I've felt it all. And, I will continue to do so. For in the complexities and the depth of emotion, that is where our true power is cultivated.” - Maria

© All images copyright of Shelah Riley