“You don’t have to lose to open. In fact, by opening, you just might win more than you ever imagined.”
We’re often told that happiness is a destination — a reward for hard work, smart planning, or a bit of good luck. But I’ve come to believe that happiness is more like a decision. One that begins not in the mind, but in the heart.
Over the years, I’ve met people from every walk of life — some with extraordinary wealth, others with very little. And one thing is clear: joy doesn’t follow a dollar sign. It follows the condition of your heart.
Guarded by Design
I didn’t always know this. I grew up with the belief that success was a formula — a mix of ambition, discipline, and drive. And while those ingredients matter, they’re not enough on their own. Not if your heart is closed off.
Mine was — for a long time.
Losing my mother as a teenager changed me. The pain of that kind of loss hardens you in ways you don’t realize at the time. You start guarding what you love. You ration your emotions. You learn to survive by keeping parts of yourself hidden.
And that strategy worked — for a while.
A Closed Heart Doesn’t Just Keep Out Pain
But as I moved through adulthood, I began to notice a pattern. My relationships struggled. Some failed. Not for lack of care, but for lack of vulnerability. I wanted connection, but I was too afraid to fully show up. I had built walls to protect myself — but those same walls kept others out.
It wasn’t until years later — after a great deal of internal work — that I began to shift. I realized that staying guarded wasn’t just keeping me safe. It was keeping me small.
Opening up didn’t come easily. It took practice. Trust. Some trial and error. But when I finally started to lean in — to feel, to share, to let people see the real me — something changed.
It felt like stepping out from under a long shadow and into the light. The risk of loss didn’t vanish. But the richness of connection? It was worth it.
The Heart Leads. The Mind Follows.
When your heart opens, something incredible happens:
- Gratitude gets louder.
- Fear gets quieter.
- And the mind finds room to grow.
I still believe in discipline. In strategy. In pushing forward. But I now know the most transformative growth — the kind that makes life truly meaningful — starts with an open heart.
So if you’re someone who’s kept yours closed — maybe out of pain, maybe out of habit — I understand.
But just know:
You don’t have to lose to open.
You don’t have to hurt to heal.
Sometimes, the greatest strength is found in softness.
About the Author
David Vega is a seasoned business leader, transformation expert, and community advocate. As CEO of Rockwall Capital Group, which owns The Rockwall Times, he combines his deep operational expertise with a passion for storytelling and uplifting local voices. David’s writing explores perseverance, leadership, and purpose, shaped by his own journey from humble beginnings to executive leadership. He lives in Heath, Texas, with his wife and children.
