“Follow your heart” is a common saying these days that so many people live by. It sounds pretty. In your heart, you have all the answers, right? But even my optimistic self can’t help but cringe when people sell themselves short and use their heart as an excuse. Don’t get me wrong, following your instincts can lead you to some dazzling heights, but trusting your emotions can cause so much destruction.
For example, you might know that a person is completely wrong for you, but despite all logic, you just hope that one day they’ll wake up and act right for you. Deep in your heart, you “just know” that they’re it. So instead of running fast the other way, you continue to make compromises.
Maybe your heart is telling you that you’re not good enough, and you feel like less than what you are. You want to believe that you’re smart, pretty, or sociable, but you feel like there’s always someone who’s doing it better. With every new job announcement, every engagement, every “candid” of a friend group, you feel like you’re the only one that’s missing out.
If you’re like me, then your feelings can make you a little lazy. You don’t feel like going to the gym, so you sleep in. Everything could be going right that day. You have a great breakfast ready, and there are no distractions to get in your way, maybe no commitments to worry about all morning. But there’s that little voice that says: “I guess I can go tomorrow.” And you tell yourself that everyday.
But those are all lies.
Stop tolerating disrespect or bad behavior. The compromises you make for that person will do more to convince them of your loyalty, rather than change them. They’re only “the one” because you chose it. You are worth so much more.
Those feelings of inadequacy ignore all the wonderful parts of who you are. They don’t take into account the way you laugh when you tell a funny story. They don’t see the beauty in the way you treat those all around you. You are more than those feelings. You are a soul. You are a living-breathing reminder of the miracle of life. There’s probably someone out there wishing they were you.
You may not want to do something, but the longer you put if off, the more you’ll regret it. Be bold. Don’t settle for a half-hearted life, because you didn’t push yourself. If you know that you want to get fit, get better grades, or whatever, start this very day. Don’t wait until "Monday". If you want to do anything worthwhile, it will take time. You will sacrifice short-term comfort, but instead gain long-term benefits.
As funny as it sounds, you should decide today that you’re not always going to follow your heart. You need to know when your heart is leading you to be courageous and sharp, rather than fearful and timid. Once you figure that out, follow away.
