Bruce Springsteen’s lyrical wisdom has always resonated with me.

As a child, I remember hearing the lyric “everybody has a hungry heart” and feeling both intense relief and intense sadness at other people felt the same longing to be loved that I did.

While “Hungry Heart” is a light and fun “party tune,” my six-year-old self took the lyrics quite seriously. To this day, whenever I feel angry or disappointed with someone, I am reminded that they are likely experiencing hunger. Hunger to be loved—or perhaps more importantly, hunger to feel lovable and turn from anger to the dire hope that they come to feel satiated.

Honestly, I hope that all—including myself—are brave enough to see the darkness and bring it to light. I hope we all find the courage to say, “I’m sorry, I was wrong,” when apt to do so.

I also hope that the shame we feel—regarding things we have said or done—will not paralyze us, and that it will not bury our self-esteem to the point that we think we cannot do better.

My intention is to be an example of how humility and grace not only can coexist, but that they must coexist.

Grace in holding our heads high—because we are holding to our truth and not violating our self—to portray the image we believe, will set an example for others. Humility in the fact that there is always something to learn. There is always a story we don’t know or an experience we have not encountered.

I pray that we may be strong enough to hold what is authentic and well with our soul, while also holding space for gentility, so that we may not harbor hate for any soul, but instead possess an open heart capable of loving all.

Even if people aren’t being the best version of themselves, I don’t believe it is for lack of want. Sometimes I lie in bed for days or react in unfavorable ways, even though I know better. I don’t want to, and I try not to, but I am human.

There is a place in my heart for those people too, because I am one of them, and I—as I believe is the case with most—ache in knowing our actions are not aligned with our intentions. We may then hear the unrefined inflections of honesty and catch a glimpse into the shadows of their sorrow. These are the moments that allow us to love beyond condition.

My hope in sharing these sentiments is that hate and dislike cease (for myself as well), and that we find a way to love—even when that means keeping distance from those whom don’t serve our soul, for they too are human. They too bring joy and light to another’s life. They too are an integral part of our soul.

Springsteen is correct in that we all have a heart that craves, love, loyalty and understanding.

May we cultivate love, compassion and support, and spread these far and wide in order to help nourish the one another’s “hungry heart.”

Find your light and be generous is sharing it.

.

Author: Caitlin Mulhall

Editor: Yoli Ramazzina

Photo: Flickr/Meg Wills