WHO IS I.M. HEART
I.M. Heart is a symbol for all of us – me, you, family, friends and every person we meet on the street. Why? Because I.M. Heart is a heart- shaped character with feelings – just like all the rest of us. These include loving, gentle, happy feelings as well as fearful, angry and sad feelings.
Feelings flow through us constantly, like a river flows to the sea. They move and change with each moment of the day. Sometimes we are aware of how we feel and at times we are totally numb to our feelings. If we are alive, we feel, whether or not we acknowledge them. I.M. Heart wants you to accept all feelings – the good, the bad and the ugly. Yes, there are some ugly ones! When we recognize them, instead of ignoring or avoiding them, we can heal them. I.M Heart encourages you to “feel them to heal them.”
Feelings come in two general varieties – from either love or fear. We have many different names for the cast of characters from both of these. We are familiar with all of them and have lived with them all our lives. We know fear as: frustration, confusion, worry, doubt, guilt, sadness, resentment, bitterness or discouragement. Stop and feel the energy of those words. In contrast, we know love as: gratitude, wonder, compassion, enthusiasm, well-being, peace, contentment, trust or joy. Feel the difference when you read these words. How do you want to live your life?
We can choose to live from either love or fear as a foundation for living our life. Fear can create a paralysis, a slowdown, or a need to seek safety behind a wall. It is often a closing up in isolation, like a turtle closes its shell. In contrast, when we choose love, the sense is of soaring – like bird sailing through the sky – free, with no limits. We choose the position from which we live our lives. I.M. Heart encourages you to be aware of all feelings, accept them and work with them. Choose to heal those bumps and bruises so that you can more fully experience the many gifts that come from love.
I.M. Heart wants to serve as an inspiration and guide. When the going gets rough, think of I.M. Heart as there with you – holding your hand, supporting and encouraging you to hang on for the ride. The ride may be bumpy, but you are strong enough to process those fears and come out on the other side in the sunshine.
I.M. Heart has ridden the waves of feeling, will ride them again, and will be stronger for the ride. I.M. Heart, U.R. Heart, We R Heart — we all have feelings that we live with every day. Individually and collectively we can heal those that hurt so that we can connect in love. Blessings!
Dr. Sue McDaniel is the creator of the I.M.Heart concepts, products and services. She has a life-long interest in searching for understanding, both within herself and others. She is a teacher at heart with experience at all levels of education. Sue has completed a Ph.D. and continued her search for understanding of feelings and behaviors. Sue has developed training materials and delivered programs for government agencies, businesses, and organizations at the state, national and international level. Other professional experience also includes research, development, and state agency governance. Sue loves animals, nature, art, music and books.