The Truth Behind My Big Heart

There's a story behind every soft-spoken person. Behind every kind gesture. Behind every deep breath taken instead of a harsh word spoken. If you've ever thought, "she has a big heart,”—you're right. But what most people don't realize is that big hearts often come from heavy places.

It grew from the things I've felt, the people I've lost, the moments I wished someone would have understood me—but didn't. It was shaped by pain, healing, and choosing to love anyway.

It Comes From What I've Lived Through

Toxic people in my past taught me what it feels like to be used, silenced, and dismissed. To give love so freely and get cruelty in return. To shrink so someone else could feel bigger.

Those experiences left cracks in me that no one could see. But through those cracks, compassion grew.

I became who I am because of what I endured. Not because it was fair, but because I refused to let it define me. I know what it's like to feel invisible. I know the sting of betrayal, the ache of abandonment, and the hollow echo of words that were meant to hurt. And yet, I still chose love and softness.

I've seen how cold the world can be. I've been ignored when I needed someone the most. I've smiled through moments where my heart felt like it was breaking inside my chest. I've been the one to check in on others while silently hoping someone would check on me.

My big heart didn't come from an easy life. It came from the decision to not let what hurt me turn me into someone I'm not.

I Give Because I Know the Value of Being Given To

I don't pour love into others because I expect it back. I do it because I know how far a small act of kindness can go. Sometimes, a kind word is the only warmth someone receives all day. Sometimes a simple "I'm thinking of you" is enough to stop someone from falling apart completely.

So I give my time. I offer understanding, listen longer, and I notice when someone's voice is quieter than usual. I remember the things people say in passing because I know those are often the things that matter most.

And I give not because I have an endless well of energy— but because love, even in small forms, matters.

I Give Because I Know the Feeling of Being Empty

Years ago I was in a place where love was conditional—where my worth depended on my silence, compliance, and ability to carry someone else's pain without ever speaking of my own—I begin to understand the difference between real care and control.

I give now because I understand what it means to be starved of it. I check in on people because I remember what it felt like when no one checked in on me. I give freely because I know what it's like to be taken from constantly. And I never want anyone to feel like they're only loved when they're useful.

It's Not Always Easy to Be This Way

Sometimes I still overthink because, in the past, I was made to believe my voice was too much—or simply wrong. I find myself apologizing more than I need to, because I was once conditioned to feel responsible for things that weren’t mine to carry. I feel things deeply, because there was a time when I was made to believe that feeling at all was a weakness.

Having a big heart means I experience things intensely. I hold on to emotions longer than others might. I sometimes replay moments that others have long forgotten. And yes, it means I get hurt more easily. People often assume I’m strong because I’m kind—but kindness isn’t a shield. Even big hearts need rest. Even they get heavy and overwhelmed.

But I Wouldn't Trade It for Anything

I wouldn't change who I am. I love who I have become. This heart has allowed me to build beautiful connections. It's helped me comfort others, love deeply, and live meaningfully.

I know people may not always see the effort it takes to be this open but I don't live for recognition. I live for realness and my heart is the most real part of me.

So if you've ever wondered why I love so openly, why I write from deep places, or why I always seem to care a little "too much"—this is the truth.

It's not weakness.

It's not naivety.

It's a choice.

A choice to keep showing up with love even when I don't have to.

Because the world doesn't need more people with perfect masks.

It needs more people with open hearts.