Staying Soft in a Hard World

The other day, I found myself at one of my favorite restaurants, savoring a quiet moment over lunch. As I enjoyed my meal, a gentleman took the seat next to me, and soon, we struck up a conversation. I was simply being myself—warm, present, and open, with no agenda or expectation. Midway through our exchange, he paused and said, 'Your energy is so feminine and optimistic. I don’t see that a lot.' His words made me smile, but they also caught me off guard—though not in the way you might think. Compliments like this aren’t unusual for me, yet most people have no idea how much I’ve had to rise above to embody this energy.

Life has not spared me its trials—just as it hasn’t spared so many of us as women. Heartbreak, setbacks, disappointments, and the constant noise of the world could have easily made me guarded, jaded, or closed off. But somehow, some way, I have chosen resilience. I still laugh just as hard as I ever have. I still love as if I have never had my heart broken. I still dream like I am a child. I still believe in the goodness of people, in deep friendships, and in the magic of new beginnings.

I don’t mean to make a seemingly casual encounter with a stranger profound, but if you know me, you know that I see God in everything. I am deeply spiritual, and I take encounters like these as divine feedback—a reminder that no matter what I’ve been through, I am still soft, still open, still willing to embrace the beauty of life. And I want you to be able to do the same.

I want you to welcome life with an open heart, no matter what you’ve been through, but never mistake softness for a lack of wisdom. As I shared in a previous post, life has a way of teaching us lessons, often requiring us to balance vulnerability with discernment.

How to Keep Your Heart Open in a Chaotic World

The world will try to harden you. People will disappoint you. Life will test you. But you don’t have to carry the weight of it all. Here are some ways to release past mistakes, painful relationships, and the heavy energy of the world so you can continue living with lightness and joy:

1. Therapy Having a safe space to unpack your experiences and process emotions is life-changing. Therapy helps you navigate past wounds so they don’t dictate your future.

2. Somatic Movement Trauma and stress don’t just live in your mind—they live in your body. Movement practices like yoga, dancing, stretching, or even shaking can help release stored tension and bring you back into flow.

3. Journaling & Writing ✍🏽 Writing is one of the most healing practices you can adopt. Whether you’re venting, reflecting, or affirming, putting words on paper gives your emotions a place to go instead of letting them fester.

4. Practicing Gratitude Even on difficult days, there is something to be grateful for. Focusing on what’s good, even in the smallest ways, keeps your heart soft and your perspective hopeful.

5. Spending Time in Nature The world is noisy, but nature is grounding. A simple walk outside, watching a sunset, or feeling the sun on your skin can remind you of life’s natural rhythm and beauty.

6. Creating Joyful Rituals Whether it’s lighting candles, making a cup of tea, playing your favorite music, or indulging in a skincare routine, small intentional acts of self-care remind you that softness is a choice.

7. Releasing Judgment Of yourself. Of others. Of the past. Carrying resentment or shame only keeps you stuck. Let go, forgive, and move forward with grace.

8. Surrounding Yourself with Warm Energy The people you allow in your life should feel like sunlight—expansive, nurturing, and safe. Be intentional about who gets access to your energy.

9. Lean into Your Spirituality

Whatever your faith may be, leaning into your spirituality can offer you a sense of peace and guidance in womanhood. Whether it’s through prayer, attending church, meditation, or reflecting on your personal beliefs, spirituality helps you reconnect with your purpose and center your energy in love and light.

Life will always bring challenges, but you don’t have to let them define you. Stay open. Stay hopeful. Stay soft. Because there is still so much joy to be had, love to be given, and dreams to be pursued. And through it all, you deserve to experience the fullness of life with a heart that remains free.

All my love, AB ✨