The human heart on an average, it weighs between 6 to 11 ounces and maintains a resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute. With 1,440 minutes in a 24-hour span, the human heart beats approximately 86,400 to 144,000 times daily at rest. These numbers reflect the physical heart’s norms, and any deviation from this rhythm could indicate underlying issues. Some individuals suffering from heart conditions are aware of their condition, while others are not. Modern medical advancements have significantly progressed in treating cardiac ailments, utilizing medications, pacemakers, and various surgical techniques to enhance heart health. While most, treatments attempt “fix” the “broken” heart facts remain that most treatments are stop gap measures.

However, what about the other heart? Our emotional heart, is a “broken heart” considering an a real aliment? With the focus of mental and emotional well-being in today’s society, most likely the “broken hearted” would be considered to have a mental illness. Furthermore, what is considered sever mental illness? Have you ever pondered the number of individuals silently bearing emotional wounds? Is a “broken heart” an inevitable part of the human experience? I doubt there is an adult alive that hasn’t suffered at one time in their lives with a “broken heart”. But how many of us are silently nursing emotional wounds inflicted by callous individuals?

How many of us move through life carrying inner pain that goes unnoticed until the slightest trigger leads to an outpouring of emotion, whether in the form of an explosion or uncontrollable tears? The weight of disappointment and emotional pain can reach such heights that we can become frozen, unable to move forward. Or we become desensitized to our own suffering, deigning that we have any feelings one way or the other. We construct barriers around our hearts, attempting to shield ourselves from further harm and develop trust issues The question arises: is this self-imposed isolation truly worth the avoidance of potential pain?

I have friends, both women and men, who, because of their emotional wounds, choose to isolate themselves from the possibility of new relationships. Their hearts have been shattered, leading them to believe that navigating life alone is preferable to the risk of encountering emotional hurt again. But despite the anguish I’ve endured and the tears I’ve shed, I reject the notion that love is unattainable for me.

Do I grapple with trust issues? Undoubtedly. Am I haunted by the fear of being hurt and disillusioned once more? Absolutely. Yet, what alternative is there? The prospect of a solitary existence? I refuse to accept that outcome. Perhaps that’s the eventual course life takes, but for now, I remain committed to the pursuit of that one person willing to walk the same path alongside me.