Why does it hurt so bad?

Chuck Finley (my daughter’s pet rabbit) died earlier tonight.

She’s devastated and hurting. At one point she asked, “Why does it hurt so bad dad?”

What she is experiencing is the downside to opening our hearts, being vulnerable, and loving someone (or Chuck the rabbit). It can hurt at times – a lot.

Although the alternative of closing our hearts will protect us from this kind of hurt, it doesn’t make for much of a life.

Imagine retreating into the castle, filling the moat with water and crocodiles, raising the draw bridge, and shuttering all the windows. Sure nobody can hurt you now but not much life is happening inside that castle either. And, the risk of dying from boredom has gone way up.

Although it can hurt at times, living with our hearts open is by far the best life strategy. Closing our hearts has never increased our happiness or improved the quality of our lives.

And, this too shall pass.

Much Love,

Jonathan