This blog offering comes to us from Regional Director Franki Borowski whose area is bringing us TOPS International Recognition Days in Reno, Nevada, July.

Real People… Real Heart

by Franki Borowski

It is not by chance that the word “heart” is attached to “wholehearted” and “put your heart into it.” When we think about it, we see that where other people are involved, we have to open our hearts and minds to understand their situation. The heart is the organ of understanding. A strong heart can allow us to see beneath appearances.

The most important questions often remain unasked, although they are there behind the other questions a person may be asking. The real discussion may not be related, mentally at least, to the surface conversation taking place. The wholehearted person feels the true situation, but can only do so because her full interest is engaged. This is another way of saying that she truly cares for the other person.

“Put your heart into it” may mean taking the time to complete everything we do to the best of our ability while looking past our own personal problems. The person who is in the best position to understand any situation is the one who can leave self-interests behind and perceive the actual conditions deep in the hearts of those around them because they have a feeling of love and concern for all involved. All of us have seen how a generous and helpful spirit in one person can encourage a similar spirit in others.

Perhaps, the ultimate definition of putting our hearts into it, or being wholehearted, is to be our true selves at all times and under all conditions. We have all known someone who is gently and unassumingly themselves “come rain or shine”. These people can be counted on to be and do their unselfish best. Being with them is a joy. Just as a strong heart helps the whole body, striving to understand and care for others makes us strong.

One learns people through the heart, not the eyes or the intellect.
Mark Twain

Thanks, Franki, for these heartfelt words!

I Care,
Barb