Guarding our hearts is the purposeful act of shielding our minds and bodies from negative influences, toxic behaviors, and thoughts that are just not life-giving. However, this does not permit us to hide behind walls and become anti-social, cold, and distant, nor should it foster fear of taking risks in building relationships.
The truth is that we may not be able to control our feelings in certain situations, but we can learn to connect the brain with our heart, and in so doing control our reactions. The extent to which we can control our emotions will not only guard our heart but also have a positive impact on our health and by extension the way we execute our jobs, attend to our families, and relate to our friends. As we put this into practice, here are a few tips:
1. Take time to assess how people around you affect your thoughts, actions, attitude, mood, and the decisions you make. Choose your friends wisely and ensure there is substance in all your relationships.
2. Believe in your independence. Sometimes, the fear of being alone causes us to put the unhealthy choice of accepting things that are self-destructive over the healthier option of self-preservation.
3. Stay alert. Seemingly innocent comments or jokes drenched in negativity can over time seed doubt, worry, confusion, anger, and eventually a full-grown tree of depression.
4. Find your center. Often, we become fixated on what is happening around us and engage in negative thoughts which become difficult to control. Being centered means having a positive reference for those days when the emotions and stress of life takes you off balance.
5. Seek good advice. When stuck in an emotional rut, turn to someone you trust and respect. This could be a positive family member or friend, a spiritual leader, or a psychologist, if there is a need for professional help. We are never too experienced to learn.
In continuing the journey of personal development, we must pay attention to our emotional intelligence which includes learning to guard our heart. When we are effective in guarding our hearts, we are better able to manage our emotions, make healthier decisions, and live in peace with ourselves and others.
When not busy with her professional responsibilities, Stacy-Lee enjoys creative dancing and working with children – which she does through her dance studio and outreach initiatives.
