The Hearts That Hold Us
April 17, 2025
Writer: Victoria Pescod
Editor: Tyler Peterson
“Where does your mind go when you have time to wonder?” my yoga teacher asked during our final stretch of class. I began to think, realizing I often don’t wonder—I spiral, becoming consumed by the conspiracies of my mind rather than real events.
There are moments, as I lay in bed at night, left alone with my thoughts. I ask myself if I was made to give love and not to be loved. A wave of sadness washes over me along with anger, confusion, and guilt. It’s here, in these quiet moments, that my mind wanders.
In the stillness of night, I wonder. And by the break of dawn, I’m hit with a realization. It’s in the darkness, confusion, uncertainty, and pain that we find enlightenment. It’s during these moments of silence that we discover the people who listen, surprise us, and care—relieving the cloud of confusion and igniting immense joy in our hearts.
It’s in the person who brought us flowers when we were having a bad day. It’s in the cookie box from a loved one to cheer us up. It’s in the friend who checks in on us to make sure we’re okay. It’s in the Sunday call with your mom.
Because, often, the most beautiful things in life aren’t things.The most valuable possessions in life aren’t expensive. The most beautiful views aren’t miles away. The happiest days aren’t the ones we left behind.
These small acts, sometimes overlooked, serve as reminders that love doesn't always need to be grand. A text just to say, “I was thinking of you,” or a smile from a stranger can brighten your day more than you realize. It's in these moments that you realize love is not a transaction, but a continuous exchange that flows in ways we may never see but always feel.
The most beautiful things in life aren’t things—they are the hearts of those who care about us, who love us, and who never let us go unnoticed.
As we give love to others, we must not forget to show ourselves the same kindness. For it’s also in these quiet moments, when we choose to be gentle with our own hearts, that we grow the capacity to love authentically. Self-compassion is a gift we give ourselves, that allows us to share our love more freely with others.
In the end, we come to see that the greatest beauty is in how we care for each other, how we touch lives without even realizing.
