Toughen up. Harden your heart. It’s a scary world out there.

We cover our hearts with bits of protection: the scars from long-ago loves, the uncertainty about our worthiness, worry over heartbreak yet to occur.

There’s a coat of armor, ready to ward off the slings and arrows of life, unpredictable alliances, fluid emotion.

Yet, between the shields of protective metal, the heart glimpses through, more curious than afraid, more hopeful than defeated.

Despite all precautions, the armored heart may yet be touched.

Armored Heart snow globe, Camryn Forrest Designs 2014. All images and designs copyright (c) 2013 and 2014 Camryn Forrest Designs, Denver, Colorado.