by Pennee Struckman

Created on: December 21, 2009   Last Updated: December 22, 2009

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears however measured and far away." (Henry David Thoreau)

To follow the heart means to trust your instincts. The heart is the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience. To have heart is to have the courage to follow your convictions. When a person follows the heart, the way can be contrary to what is expected. Others may say he is a fool, or he is chasing a pipe dream. But each of us has a dream, and when we pursue it, we are following the heart.

We have all heard the expression "the heart wants what the heart wants." This is true, but it is often only associated with the emotions. Emotions are strong feelings, sometimes driven by love, and sometimes by intense anger. When we follow our emotions, we don’t always follow our heart. Sometimes the feelings we have for another person pull us away from our dreams. People that are important to us may not understand, or have the patience to support us and wait for the dream to become reality. They may argue with us, berate us or insist that it is them or the dream.

When we are faced with decisions, there are often times of confusion and doubts. We look at the pros and cons, weighing the rewards and the consequences. No matter how we turn the decision or the situation, as long as we have no peace, we are not following the heart. Because, in the solitude of self, the heart will whisper the right choice. Sometimes we allow emotion or desire to silence the truth the heart is telling us.

"If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew to serve your turn long after they are one, and so hold on when there is nothing in you except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on'. " (Rudyard Kipling)

So how do we know the difference?

If your emotions are leading you to give up your dreams, you aren’t following your heart.

If your motives are to please those you love, you aren’t following your heart.

If you are taking the easy way, you may not be following your heart.

Following your heart takes courage and conviction. You may have to walk away from people who are important to you. You may have to confront your shortcomings, and determine in your heart that you will press on. Following your heart is not always easy, but the reward at the end is worth it.

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