How to dodge a broken heart

Photo credit: Alex Bruda

Everywhere you look this month you will be seeing hearts. Why? For one, the midpoint of the shortest month is Valentine’s Day and the iconic symbol for the holiday is the heart. There are hearts with arrows through them and tiny candy hearts in assorted colors with printed messages such as “Be Mine”. Many will receive heart-shaped balloons or boxes of chocolate—possibly accompanied by a dozen or more red roses. Even songs about sweethearts will fill the airwaves, too. Yes, the holiday is a festive reminder that love is everywhere.

Now, did you know that there is a second reason why the heart will take center stage this month, too? February is also American Heart Month. It is a time to recognize that critically important organ in our body and what we can do to protect it from the number one killer condition in our society: heart disease.

Too many have a broken heart

Heart disease is a single category for many afflictions including high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. The statistics tell us that 1 in 3 American adults suffer from a form of heart disease. That’s right, one third! What does that look like in real life? If you are at the movie theater sitting in a row of 18 chairs, 6 people are likely to be affected. It is two of every six people in the store check-out line. If your office has 60 people, 20 are suffering or 60 are if you work with 179 other people. I know you can do the math yourself. The picture I am painting is simply that there are too many people suffering from an actual broken heart.

I will not rant any more about statistics, effects, or even the causes of heart disease. I will save it for another time or you can research all of that quite easily at the American Heart Association website. Instead, I want to spend this moment that we have together encouraging (and if necessary pleading) you to take part in a short activity.

First, sit still and quietly. Now put at least one hand over your heart and let your mind wander. Think about your life: your family and friends, your dreams, your work, your hobbies, passions, and interests, your sweetheart (or maybe sweethearts), your present and your future. Think about whatever comes to mind. Go ahead and do that now for 30 to 60 seconds or more. Close your eyes if you want.

Time well spent

Now without removing your hand, notice that rhythmic beat and realize that none of those things or even the thought of those things happen or matter unless you take good care of the precious organ that beats just beneath where your hand is resting. As important as it is to express love to somebody this month, it is just as vital that you show your own body some love every month—particularly your heart.

You don’t need gifts, you don’t have to find the right words to say, you don’t need to apologize to it sincerely, and you don’t have to take it anywhere you don’t want to go. All you need to do is give your heart some quality time.

A road or a treadmill will do.

A bike or staircase will do.

You can do your dance in a line or on a pole, at a gym or a ballroom.

Jump up or squat down.

Pick a live class or a watch a DVD.

Do it alone or with a group.

Your options for having a heart-pumping good time are endless.

Your heart really is worth the effort, too. It has one mission: to keep you alive and well. It never rests and never makes excuses! It is there for you 24/7, rain or shine, good times and bad, in sickness and in health.  In return, it just requires a little time. . . 5-15 hours weekly—not weakly—is all it takes. How can you say, “No?” How can you deny it? How can you suggest that you have absolutely no time? How can you break your own heart?

Love thyself

I hope you join me this month in recognizing how crucially important your heart is to your very existence. Did you know that the root meaning of the name Valentine is healthy, vigorous, and strong? It comes from the Latin word valens. Right now I hope you will fulfill a request. Place your hand to your heart again and say this pledge aloud:

“I promise to give my heart the quality time it needs to stay healthy, vigorous, and strong.”

Let’s call that the “Valentine’s Vow”. I hope you participated and I hope you fulfill the pledge because the truth is that you are the primary beneficiary of that promise. At the same time, it is not just about you. You have people around you: family, friends, work associates, teammates, group members, charities, and even people in your community you will never meet face to face depending on your heart to keep you alive and well.

If I do my part and you do your part and we each support someone to do his or her part, then that is four less people at the movies, in the checkout line, or on the job suffering from a broken heart. Now, that’s what I call spreading love.

As always, today is the only day you have to earn your victory. Have a winning day!

Live encouraged,
Leon

Your comments are welcomed and thank you for sharing my message with those you know.