Remember the song by Bonnie Tyler?

‘It's a heartache

Nothing but a heartache

Hits you when it's too late

Hits you when you're down’

I had a conversation with someone this week where we talked about how you can continue to be open to love, and still give love when you haven’t been treated well by others. And let’s be honest, if someone has been unkind or unjust  towards you, especially in matters of the heart, how often is it that one of your reactions is to be angry and say you’ll withdraw your labour of love from everyone? 

I’ll be honest. I’ve felt like that.

And you start to wonder how you can you ever take a healthy risk on vulnerability when you've been hurt in the past. So, how can you keep yourself open to love and prepared to still give love? Here’s some things that I’ve learned and try to practice;

• Allow yourself to be at peace when you are hurting or angry.
• Don’t stew in bitterness or breed ill-will.
• Let go of past hurts.
• Forgive those who have hurt you.
• Treat yourself with compassion.
• Choose to see the positive in people instead of the negative.
• Count your blessings.

Unfortunately we cannot future-proof ourselves against fresh hurts.  When you hurt, it means your heart centre is open. So, feel the strength that being openhearted and wholehearted can bring you. Love is always the answer.