Living with a heart condition

Living with a heart condition brings new awareness to the concept of “heart space.” It’s not just about the physical heart, but also about creating emotional and mental space to care for yourself. The heart space becomes a place of mindfulness, where you focus on your well-being, listen to your body, and allow yourself to slow down when needed. It’s about nurturing a sense of peace, prioritizing your health, and embracing moments of gratitude. Living with a heart condition teaches you to honor your limits and make room for what truly matters—self-care, love, and connection.

I’ve read so many posts about “living in your heart” and “embracing your heart space.” At one point, I was one of those voices, writing about it in an abstract, almost dreamy way. But now, living with a heart condition, I’m learning what it truly means in a much deeper sense.

It’s no longer just a metaphor for following your emotions or being compassionate. Now, my heart space is both literal and symbolic. It’s about physically making room in my life for rest, reflection, and self-care. Every beat of my heart reminds me of the balance I need to maintain.

I’ve realized that heart space also means tuning into what my body needs—slowing down when necessary, managing stress, and focusing on moments of peace. It’s about being present with myself, creating space for healing, and surrounding myself with what nourishes my heart, both physically and emotionally.

Living with a heart condition has shifted my understanding. I’m learning to embrace my heart space as a place of self-compassion, where I honor my limits, protect my health, and let in only what truly matters.