Always, always, always follow your heart. There I said it, and it’s probably been said several million times before me, but it stands true today. Why do we wander aimlessly around our decisions? Why don’t we take more of those risks? And why don’t we just speak how we feel, especially to the ones we hold so dearly close to our hearts? Just think about it for a second and get back to me, okay? Good.

Now, I am going to try and convince you reader on how to follow your heart. You know that organ, the one that keeps you alive, on the left side of your chest? Feel it. It’s beating. It has a purpose, a nice remainder if you are ever going through a bad day. You have a purpose. Everyone should know that. But, this is where it gets a little deep and personal. So, what is the purpose you seek in yourself? When you are no longer walking on this Earth and are buried six feet under, did you do what you always wanted to do? Did you follow your heart the moment you felt the urge to open your arms to the one you loved, kissed the person you loved or put all your efforts into your number one passion?

These are a lot of questions. Yet, there is one answer you should have. Yes.

I know from experience that there have been plenty of times I just turned my back from opportunities that were there for the taking. I didn’t take them. Days would past or even years and sometimes those opportunities came to me again. Those are signs. I was able to risk for them, take ahold of that opportunity that I should’ve took from the first time. Sometimes these moments don’t come around again and this is what I’m trying to say, go for it the first time. If you really want that “something” just grab ahold of it and don’t overthink it.

I had a teacher told me once back in high school, “I really hope to read some of your published work someday because you have a talent and you should use it.” My teacher believed in me years before I even had any of my writing published. I think we all have had those moments when we got complimented on something we did, and that right there is a sign you should pursue the greatness you got recognition for. Ever since I’ve received compliments for some of the writings I’ve done, I’ve only wanted to pursue it more and I think we all need some compliments to get us over that fear of not following our passions.

But, don’t wait for those compliments either, because if you really believe you want to become a doctor, mechanic, engineer, author, professional athlete, actor or anything else just put your all into it. The times may get tough (as they should) but that doesn’t mean to give up right away or think that maybe this isn’t what you’re destined to become. You are in control of your feelings and desires. You have to fall a couple times, but by being persistent will get you to that promise land you have dreamed of.

When it comes to relationships and people, it goes with the same idea: persistence. The more of an effort you give into people, the more effort you will get back. It might not come right away, it all depends on the circumstance but it shouldn’t stop you from putting your heart into relationships. We all want to feel loved. We all want to be connected with others. We all’ want to be understood. Trust me, you are.

Your heart knows you best. Whether it’s the butterflies you get around that “significant” other or the anxiousness you get when your heart is pounding because you are excited about something. Pursue it. Don’t turn around like I’ve done in the past, because sometimes those moments don’t repeat. I’ve missed out on some great relationships with people because I was afraid of the consequences, I’ve missed out on working with some great people, I’ve missed out on not trying for those sports teams and I’ve missed out on telling family members who passed away how much I loved them. It doesn’t matter now because I’m in the present and so are you.

Forget about yesterday and focus on today. Take it one step at a time, one beat at a time. Don’t close your heart to the things and people you want. Pursue your desire, because time is running short. Get to it now and not later. You will thank me and your heart will be happier too.