WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART SPACE?
Families can be found in your heart space, and they are more than just a group of people who share your bloodline – they are the ones who understand you, who support you through thick and thin, who make you feel like you belong in a world that can sometimes feel lonely and unforgiving. You carry your family in your heart space because they are a part of who you are, and they’ve helped shape you into the person you’ve become today.
When my children were little, I didn’t live close to family. I knew we were loved and my family would be there for us if we needed them, but we missed that connection, the safe feeling of sharing that heart space together in one place. Fortunately, I had good friends with children the same age as mine to share that heart space,
to have a sense of connectedness and community. If you’re wondering where you are in your heart space, it starts with finding out where you fall on the happiness continuum, take this free quiz to find out!
Optimism and Happiness is Teachable, Obtainable and Builds Resilience
THE SHIFT IN MY HEART SPACE
When my child started displaying challenges, the dynamics changed in that heart space community. My son did not like change and would want things to stay the same. This caused him to be upset and have difficulties that were not displayed by other children his age. At first, I understood how “outsiders”, people who didn’t understand the “disability world” felt about my son’s behavior, because I was one of them at that moment. Behavior that seemed odd, and unacceptable. I was almost “on their side” about their beliefs of how a child should be and act. Then I started to realize there was something bigger going on than just a phase that would pass.
One of the biggest struggles I have faced is how to effectively manage my child’s challenges in different environments with different people and then manage my thoughts, feelings and emotions about it all. The heart space was still there in our little community, but the attitudes were changing. I now know that others can have a fear of saying or doing the wrong thing, which can lead to avoidance or discomfort around our children with challenges. This fear may be born out of a well-meaning desire not to inadvertently cause distress or offense, but it ultimately serves to further isolate and stigmatize our children and leaves us feeling lost and alone as a parent.
OPEN YOUR HEART SPACE TO OTHERS
Just as my friends, even my family, were at a loss to understand what was going on or how to help. We all need to remember how we are all connected. We all breathe the same air. We all have the same needs, like sleep, food, water, and even a sense of belonging and love. We can be related by blood or by marriage, but we can also have a connection with someone, a complete stranger, that involves emotions, feelings, or a sense of love or obligation that can create a strong connection or kinship.
So consider opening your heart space and hold a space to potentially include others that you meet. You never know when you find someone who shares and resonates with your heart space, and watch how that sense of belonging grows and you begin to not feel so alone.
Differences, disabilities and challenges are a natural part of the human condition. It’s worth noting that ‘disability’ is not a monolithic experience, and different individuals may have vastly different needs and capabilities. This can make it challenging to generalize how to best support and connect with children with disabilities and challenges. In reality, the best way to interact with children with disabilities, special needs or challenges is to simply open your heart space to treat them with the same respect, kindness, and consideration as one would any other child.
By embracing a beginner’s mindset of openness, compassion, and willingness to learn and adapt, we can create the heart space for communities where all children feel welcome, valued, understood and can grow and flourish.
BY ACKNOWLEDGING OUR POWER, WE CAN START TO HARNESS IT FOR GOOD
It’s all too easy to let our words slip out without considering their impact on those around us. Whether it’s a simple conversation with a family member, friend, our child’s teacher, or even a group of people, our words have the power to inspire, uplift, criticize, or even harm others. When we take the time to truly think about our words and actions, from our head to our heart, we can vastly improve our communication skills and build stronger relationships.
When we are mindful of the impact of our words and actions, we become more intentional in how we express ourselves. As I started my mindful practice, I recognized the power of my words and better understood how my words and actions could impact others positively or negatively.
Negative: “You are impossible.”
Positive: “This may be challenging, but I will brainstorm different approaches and find a solution for us to move forward.”
Negative: “She is so annoying.”
Positive: “I recognize that she has her own unique personality, and I will try to find common ground and appreciate her for who she is.”
With this awareness, I started to tap into my heart space, which I have come to understand as my inner core of my being where my attitudes of compassion, kindness, appreciation and forgiveness reside. By consciously choosing to speak and act from a place of kindness and compassion, we can all create a positive impact on others and the world around us.
“Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.” ~Depak Chopra
ADAPT TO GROW YOUR HEART SPACE AND FLOURISH
Being conscious of how our words and actions may be interpreted is the first step to simple knowing in the present moment. If we have the foresight and understanding that everything we do and say has an impact, we can begin to consciously direct our attitudes and intentions to move in a positive direction through our heart space. This may take some practice, first, learning to be grounded so you are present and second, to become aware before saying or doing something without thinking. Take a pause, to be able to demonstrate concern and compassion for those you meet.
It can start with self-awareness, recognizing our own biases and prejudices, and taking steps to overcome them. This means engaging our head and heart, into our heart space in taking a moment to pause and reflect before we speak or act. Asking ourselves questions like, “How will my words be received?” or “What is the most compassionate way to approach this situation?” can help us approach communication with more compassion and understanding. When we approach situations with an open heart and a willingness to listen, we can form deeper connections with those around us. In addition to impacting those around us, being thoughtful and intentional in our words and actions can also have a positive effect on our own well-being.
When I started to take responsibility for the impact of my words and actions and committing to being a force for good in the world, I had a focus for my day to day living. I allowed myself to focus less on the negative in my day to day reality and focused on the positive. It can take time and effort to develop this level of consciousness through our heart space, but it is a goal worth striving for. Living from my head and my heart, from thinking into feeling, and then action. This is what ultimately helped me with my struggle to deal with my son’s challenges in different environments and with different people and manage my own emotions.
POSITIVE ATTITUDES TO FLOURISH THROUGH OUR HEART SPACE
When we act with kindness and compassion, we feel a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Our positivity can be infectious and inspire others to do the same. When we strive to be more thoughtful in our words and actions through our heart space, we can cultivate stronger relationships, build trust and respect, and create a more positive environment for ourselves and those around us. A good place to start with focused attention on attitudes is:
Having a positive attitude towards yourself and others can be a powerful tool for building resilience and personal growth. One of the key attitudes that can help you cultivate positivity is compassion. When you approach yourself with kindness and understanding through your heart space, you are creating a foundation of self-love and acceptance that can help you weather life’s challenges. Compassion can also be extended to others, and has been shown to have a range of benefits for both the giver and the receiver.
When we show kindness and appreciation towards others and ourselves, we not only help them feel valued and respected, we also create a more positive and supportive environment for ourselves. This can increase our sense of purpose, belonging, and overall well-being through our heart space.
Forgiveness is another attitude that can help build resilience and positivity. Holding onto grudges and resentments can be emotionally draining, and can prevent us from moving forward and creating the life we want. Forgiveness allows us to let go of negative emotions and focus on the present and future. It can be a difficult process, but it can lead to profound personal growth and healing in your heart space.
When we cultivate positive attitudes towards ourselves and others, we build our sense of pride and self-esteem. We start to believe in our own abilities and worth, and this can have a powerful impact on our resilience and ability to face challenges. It can also grow your heart space to help create a positive cycle of growth and success, as we become more confident and capable, and more willing to take risks and pursue our goals. This can lead to increased well-being, purpose, and success in all areas of life, creating a ripple effect of positivity in the world for us all to flourish.
Find out where you fall on the happiness continuum with our Quiz or join the membership, there’s one month free!!
