Overcoming and currently working through some of my heart issues is unequivocally the most important part of me outside of my spiritual and physical health. Before I begin intense therapy in August of 2020, amid the pandemic, I was convinced that I’d parish. The nightly dates with the cold bathroom floor were enough for me to realize I was suffering – ALONE. I was ashamed. I feared being judged. My solution: withdraw from the world and became a thespian to “appear normal” when I engaged with people. I traveled this commonly crowded road alone. No one was privy to the hell that lived within. The mind is a battlefield and all my soldiers had succumbed to an untimely demise. Physically, I was well, but mentally I was living in a chartered hell. After countless months of mental torment, I sought therapy. The heart work of INC began. I developed a working definition for “heart work” to help me stay the course because the course in fact was challenging. It was hard as hell. Heart work is intentionally exposing the issues of the heart to begin a healing journey through therapy, introspection, and faith in God. Those were my ingredients to do the heart work. Once I began the arduous trek down heart work lane, my life transformed slowly, and I was formally introduced to the authentic me. This convinced me I’d become a lifelong advocate for the heart work.
Before I Die – HELP!
“Help! I need somebody. Help! Not just anybody. Help! You know I need someone. Help!” This line has been heard countless times by millions of people who surmise this powerful piece differently. Some interpretations are comical, while others are a genuine cry for help. When the Beatles sang this song, the lead singer John Lennon melodically wailed over the radio airways in 1965 for help. He needed support. He needed encouragement. He needed HELP! While millions of listeners themselves needed help, they either took the hint and sought help or stayed bound in the ramparts of their own prison – their minds while dancing to this song. In this song, John Lennon spoke about the wilds of fame, the high expectations, the anxiety, and the depression that followed. It’s safe to say that heart work was needed. WHATEVER you are battling with internally, seek HELP! No issue is too small or too LARGE for God or therapy. Your mind is a 911 situation! SEEK HELP!
The critically acclaimed storyteller, rapper, mogul, Jay-Z, has a stanza in his song ‘Smile’ featuring Gloria Carter from the 4:44 album that read: “Living in the shadow. Can you imagine what kind of life it is to live? In the shadows people see you as happy and free. Because that's what you want them to see. Living two lives, happy, but not free.”
This is another example of hiding within oneself and struggling internally to function. This sort of behavior often develops a habit that is detrimental to the mind, body, and spirit. In this song, Jay-Z artfully raps about his mother being a lesbian but having to hide it from the world. Can you imagine not being able to express your authentic self or thrive in your truth, no matter the circumstance? This would require some intense heart work to heal, but if you don’t have the courage, support, or education about it, heart work seems like an unachievable notion.
Is Your Heart in It?
Heart work is a movement.
Heart work has no age limit.
Heart work has no race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic class, education, or political restrictions.
We all need heart work at some point in our lives.
Heart work is hard work, but once you begin your life transforms forever.
Let’s not just deal, let’s heal. There is so much wonderful life to live.
The heart work beings here.
R.E.M. said it best, “EVERYBODY HURTS SOMETIMES.”
Commit to the heart work. Join the movement. Check out the heart work gear here!
This was a very good read! We gotta do the "heart" work and heal so that we don't keep passing down generational hurt. Just imagine how much greater, yes they're awesome, our kids would be if we had taken time to truly heal our hearts, minds, and spirits, before birthing them.
The beauty of it all is the fact that they can see us doing the work now and not be stuck carrying things in their heart, but heal now and with us, to pass along generational healing!
Keep sharing your story because it's bringing healing and letting others know that they're not by themselves, but they have to be willing to do the work!