Welcome to The Heart Song, a movement sharing stories of hope from humanity. Here you will witness voices from around the world sharing their voice through story - their heart’s song. Today we hear from Melanie on living in a world where fear does not rule; her story of hope and love and a vision of how life could be if we acknowledged and nurtured ourselves. This is her heart song. Thank you for being here. Thank you for your vulnerability. Thank you for supporting this movement. Thank you for loving in all the ways that you do.
Life isn’t like in films: happy reunions, tear-stained apologies, and atonement. In real life, there was no acknowledgement of what my father had done, and there never would be - no apology for the days of ignoring my very being. You see when someone does that, it denies you of love. You go into the world fearing no one will like you, that no one will listen. Because no matter how much other love I had around me (of which there was an abundance), he surely didn’t.
But here’s the thing: why would we want life to be a fairy tale? Fairy tales are based on tragic circumstances, loss, murder, kidnapping, and poisoning. The heroin might get their Prince Charming, but what have they endured to get there? We never see what happens after that moment. Are we to believe that they magically forget about their past? Are they able to trust again? I understand that real life can feel just as brutal for so many. There are days when collective fear and heartbreak hang thick in the air like smog, smothering us until we gasp for air.
But there is another way to live. A way in which we acknowledge our pain and our fears, no matter how great or small. We recognize the cries of our ancestors that run through our DNA. Our communal sorrow and shame from a world that shouldn’t be this way. This is a world of hush and coverup, cloak and daggers. “Don’t speak up. No one will hear you.” And when we acknowledge, we can change.
This stops with me.
We heal the world when we heal ourselves and remove the veil of fear. We envelop ourselves and those who have gone before us in love, forgiveness, and compassion. In this way, the next generation can start a new way of being where we are truly equal and free. Our children will no longer act from their wounds but from a place of, “I know myself.”
And as for the fairy tale? Well, the films are not real. But I do believe in magic. I believe in fairies and unicorns, dragons and pixies that frolic through the woods, picking flowers to make their potions. They are all around us; look into everyday life, and you will find them in human form. And I know now that I am likeable. Not to everyone, of course, but that’s normal. I am blessed with beautiful, loving family and friends. My mum has the most gorgeous soul, and her abundant love fills the gaps where others are missing. Life is inordinate in experiences and creativity. And I have found my voice.
I will speak up.
I share my voice through the written word. Writing is my vessel for creating and expressing my essence and a soothing balm for my soul. I want to show my children a different way - one where we don’t give in to the fear. Know, love, and heal yourself first; the rest will follow.
No, life is not a fairy tale. But nor should it be. It’s so much more. Come up for air, my love.
"This stops with me." These four words have so much power. The courage it takes to hold that intention and choose to move in whatever way necessary to keep it fills me with so much emotion because what a journey it has been since I made that promise to myself. And I would do it all over again and again to find freedom. Thank you for sharing your story, Melanie.