That red bus was still visible and my heart was getting heavier. I was there, seeing off two family members who traveled miles to visit us. Since I do not cry unless I’m extremely angry or happy, standing there I was feeling empty, trying to hold those temporary happy moments spent with them.
Another close family member was with me too, sobbing. It was a public place with people gazing at us. I was consoling her with a soft faith -“They will visit again soon.” And there , all of a sudden, she pointed out, “You know, I might be the only one who cries and misses people when they leave. I think my heart knows how to love people and yours…”, she paused, weeping again, without completing her words. It was a light statement; but it left me surprised. Perhaps, I was labeled as the “heart-less” one, right there, even though I felt I had a heart, at least one that was consoling her.
Years passed. I moved through mountains of work assignments, swam through a small hole of sadness, made a sand castle with re-fixed career goals. Love is still my strength. It is one label that defines me, us, and I believe, anyone in love.
It is true that for a few months, I judged my own reactions to situations; felt my emotional strength to be misconceived, if not to me but to distant friends and family. But in my world, love was not supposed to be a weakness. I was supposed be the warrior in love!
Since then it’s been one amazing journey understanding how love solves many problems and how I use some love to build emotional durability – You can cry or you can help someone laugh!
In our life, we come across many people and their opinions. We judge others quickly and get judged too. While judging others, we always put ourselves as the better ones, the right ones, the perfect ones. I am still figuring out that subtle flavor of the word “better”, the unseen lines that create difference between right and wrong , perfect and imperfect. I definitely know that I am not perfect, I am not always right, if I work hard I can be better than who I am now; and I aim to be better.
This morning, during our regular conversations, my co-worker claimed- “You have an amazing heart . You can win anything with that. ” This time I was not winning. My work was in pretty bad shape and I was trying to find a little cave to hide for the day. So I smiled and wrote down on a paper, for her – Some hearts are good mirrors , they reflect what’s inside.
Do you love using words and labels to describe yourself? If yes , what are you ?
My favorite blogger Rara from https://rarasaur.wordpress.com has made a special holiday for label lovers : International Label Day on 21st November ; we are celebrating it at her place . Don’t forget to visit her and join the fun.
Update : 21st November – International Label day . Please visit Rara’s post here to spread love through words.
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Beautiful… Reflects your inner beauty… And not crying or being strong is harder but not heartless..
I’ve been “labeled” heartless for much the same reasons in the past. I don’t know why, if I don’t cry just because something is sad people assume I don’t feel anything. If I didn’t feel anything why would I be holding your hand while you cry? People have odd logic sometimes lol Lovely post Archita!
Same year , there was a not so good event in the family and I lived sleepless nights and restless days protecting everyone ! So, the husband said – “This is you! You should never be affected by others comments”.
I believe in change and we all should change ; but I think change means upgrade not degrade! Maybe, I am wrong and I am not judging that family member at all ! Maybe ,she was right in expressing her sorrow through tears ! People have odd logic for sure. For you , I know your heart, that’s visible on every post that you write . Some people should mind their own business for sure!
We all wear labels , but I think some labels help us to find ourselves and to grow ! “Love should be your strength” was of that kind !
I agree, everyone should mind their business and not judge other people on how they act or react to things, unless you live in a persons head no one knows how they really think or feel.
Lovely post dear Archita. I can never cry in public, am i heartless? There are many good quotes from Archita, can I borrow them?
If you’re heartless , then we all are born without a heart!
Great story on how people label us and how we outgrow or shine !
You have a heart made of gold , I already wrote that once . It’s nice to read how love is your strength . Amazing!