Bouncing Back from Broken Heart Syndrome: A Journey of Gratitude, Mindfulness, and Keeping it Light
- Brandie Wright
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
I'm still processing the whirlwind of emotions and experiences from my recent 5-day hospital stay for Broken Heart Syndrome (Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy). This condition, triggered by intense emotional stress, taught me valuable lessons about physical, emotional, and mental resilience. And, let's be real, it's also taught me that my heart can be a drama queen. Ha Ha!
I just want to take a few minutes to share with you some of my takeaways. You may not be facing ‘Broken Heart Syndrome” but trust me we all need reminders.
Physical Takeaways
Listen to your body: My heart muscle weakness was a wake-up call to prioritize self-care and stress management. No more ignoring those pesky stress signals!
Pushing through doesn’t make you a superhero!
Rest and recovery: I learned the importance of allowing my body time to heal and recharge. Think of it as a "heart-essential" break.
Emotional Insights
Support system: I'm grateful for loved ones who reached out during this challenging time. Your kindness and concern mean the world! My grandson said I just needed him to be there with me to make me laugh. He's not wrong!
Humor is the best medicine after all!
Emotional awareness: This experience highlighted the importance of acknowledging and managing my emotions to prevent overwhelming stress. In other words, I'm working on not letting my emotions get the best of me AND no more ignoring when they need my attention.
Mental Shifts
Mindfulness: I'm committed to being more present and mindful in daily life, focusing on what truly matters. Think meditation, deep breathing, yoga, nature walks, creating (I love to paint) and whatever keeps my lil' heart happy.
Gratitude: Amidst the chaos (flood, water pump issues, and more), I'm choosing to focus on the silver lining: appreciation for love, friendships, and family. After all, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And when life gives you a flood and a broken water pump, know that every little thing gonna be a'right!
Silver Linings
New beginnings: Our house is back on the market, and working with our new realtor,
Darin Shaw has been a blessing. Let's hope this chapter is less dramatic than the last!
Trusting the plan: Even when life gets tough, I know everything is working together for my highest good. And if all else fails, I'll just add it to my "life story" and laugh about it later.
Lessons Learned
Patience and trust: I'm learning to trust the journey, even when the path ahead is unclear. It's like trying to find your way through a foggy forest – you can't see what's ahead, but you know you'll get there eventually.
Love and support: The outpouring of love and support during this time has been a reminder of the importance of nurturing relationships. And let's be real, it's also been a reminder that I have some amazing friends who can make me feel loved, even on my worst days.
Nurturing Your Nervous System
Regulating our nervous system is crucial for overall well-being, as it helps us manage stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. When our nervous system is in balance, we're better equipped to handle life's challenges with clarity and resilience.
That's where our friends at Alchemy Holistic Collective come in – they offer a wide range of modalities to support nervous system regulation, from energy healing and meditation to bodywork and more. By prioritizing nervous system health, we can cultivate a deeper sense of calm, clarity, and inner peace, allowing us to live life more fully and authentically.
As I navigate this journey, I'm reminded that every experience, no matter how challenging, is an opportunity for growth, gratitude, and a good dose of humor. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way!
All My Love,Brandie
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