“If someone isn’t what others want them to be, the others become angry. Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Each and every one of us has hopes and dreams. To feel that tingling sense of anticipation that comes from instinctively being connected to your passions and your purpose is part of the human experience. It is a song that is born of your soul and dances in sync with your heart. To quote Cinderella, “A dream is a wish your heart makes.”
To be clear, in this sense, your “heart” is not the same thing as your emotions. In this dream, your head and your emotions are not in conflict. In other words, your heart isn’t longing for something while your head and your gut are vigorously waving red flags. When you listen to your intuition and “know it in your heart,” you are overcome by a peaceful feeling, and perhaps even a sense of a highly focused determination, that your entire body just knows is right. Once you vow to follow your heart, you’re staking your claim on your universal path.
When you are in this state of peaceful awareness, it’s unfathomable that you would ever do anything to jeopardize the bliss that is living out your dream. However, this is not to say that there won’t be bumps along your path. Know that when you follow your heart you may be tested, but you will never be wrong.
One of those tests will undoubtedly come in the form of the opinions of other people. People may try the sway you or put you down out of jealousy or even because the universe is testing your dedication. The question becomes: How much you really want to achieve that dream? It is in these moments that you will have to choose to believe in yourself or to follow the herd.
Think of it this way: You have a heart, a soul and a body that is unique to you. How can anyone else possibly know what your experience is like except for you? It is impossible for anyone to feel and to know what your soul knows. You are the only one who has the job of interpreting, and following, your instincts.
Should a baker advise a contractor on how to build a home? No, because the construction of a cake is an entirely different process with an entirely different end result and purpose than a home.
Be relentless about staying on your path. Don’t get wrapped up in how other people view you or what they believe is right for your life. No one has it all figured out and no one knows exactly what they are doing. Life is an experience of a journey that is completely and totally personal to you.
I find that the people who are the happiest are the ones who march to the beat of their own drum. They find their passion and pursue it. They are so comfortable in their own skin that nothing, and no one, can shake it because they are unapologetically authentic to their soul. When you are happy with who you are, life is but a dream. Enjoy the dream that was made for you.