(This essay was originally written for a friend challenged with new relationships after being widowed. However, it can be applied to anyone who has experienced loss of any kind and is looking to –or not–restart their life. Please read on.)
It’s right there. Beating softly just there in her chest. That heart that has been through so much. A little weathered, beat down and with a few pieces missing. Yet it still beats.
Her guarded heart.
Those experiences that just about did it in: love lost, heartbreak, angst, hurt. All those things. While they made her stronger she’s still not ready to risk it again.
That’s why her guard is over it. To protect it. From whatever. Or whoever.
But maybe, just maybe, it might someday venture out from behind its armor. If the right love, if the right circumstance came along.
Would she choose to love again?
Only time, her spirit and her heart know.
Until then, it’s sheathed in a protective covering. Only she knows when—and if—the shield will be dropped.
“…if you give me your armor, you can have my heart…”
—Miranda Lambert, “Tin Man”
Relentless
*images by the author
