Know Thyself Prompt

I am Grateful That I Have Experienced Tribulations in My Life

It has expanded my heart.

There is so much to be grateful for in our lives, but sometimes it isn’t easy to see. I am thankful for the pain and disappointment I’ve been confronted with because it has caused my heart to reopen, and if it weren’t for the adversities, my heart would not feel as whole and even more compassionate than before.

Exteriors close because fear is encountered. Life events can cause suffering and make one retreat into a shell, like a turtle seeking protection.

Love and joy are shut out. The heart becomes trapped by the hard veneer.

Sadness and disappointment are endured. One becomes congested with negativity and numbness until it can’t be held on to anymore.

The calloused surface finally cracks, and all the suffering overflows like lava exploding from a volcano.

Despair empties from the space. When of all of the torment that was taking up room is released what is left is only a soft, porous, passionate heart.

The heart becomes unconfined and is able to expand. Its voluminosity can soak up abundant love like the most absorbent sponge. It is finally free!

I am grateful for knowing what pain feels like because if I didn’t, I would not know how to be empathic, and my heart wouldn’t love as unconditionally as it does. Pain humbles us, and because of it growth is unavoidable.

Choose pain over numbness because then when you let the sorrow go, there is an appreciation for happiness and one understands gratitude.

“Winter falls upon us so spring can bring new growth. Cry the tears! Allow the longing! sadness bring surrender and a deep desire to be free.” ~Rumi

This is a beautiful poem by the talented writer Yan Huang about choosing love over fear

Thank you, Yana, for this prompt and your continued mentorship to fellow writers. Thank you, Liberty, for your kindness and for telling me about freewriting, which I tried with this piece. Winston many thanks for supporting the writers here with your movement and your graciousness. I am thankful for everyone that I have met and interacted with on this platform. Many blessing to you all! ❤️