Why It’s Important to Follow Your Heart

I know, I know. It’s more clichéd than a boy meets girls story, but like this classic Disney plot line, there’s a reason why they’re so popular and important. Because it’s true! If you’re anything like me, and care about others, are ambitious, like taking risks, go adventuring, meeting new people…. Then following your heart can take you further than you could imagine.

I think it’s important to do so because your heart is your emotional side whereas your brain is the logical side. Logic can only get you so far. But compassion, empathy, understanding and emotion are driven by those electric urges that pulsate from our hearts. And it is these qualities that can push our comfort zones, open you up to new and exciting experiences, all whilst having a great support network around you. So here are some of the reasons why it’s so important to follow your heart, and those gut instincts and little voices that keep speaking to us.

Logic doesn’t always make sense.

If logic tells you to go to university and study commerce, work 60 hours a week, save money for a house… all whilst you’re unhappy in these situations, you’re heart doesn’t understand. Why suffer through something that ‘seems’ right and is ‘supposed’ to be right, when you’re unsatisfied? Sounds like a pretty boring life to me. Instead, focus on doing things that satisfy your wants and needs. Do things that make you happy.

Your heart knows what you want.

I’m a big believer in having goals, dreams, ambitions and values. And they’re stored in your heart. By staying true to the above, this will keep you going through the harder or more stressful times.

Others are here to support you.

Friends and family can help you through those harder times by usually reminding you of your focus or dreams. It’s so reassuring sharing these with loved ones, because once they know and you come to them a bit stressed or overwhelmed, they can always offer a shoulder to lean on and advice to keep striving to achieve your dreams.

Your heart can rescue you

If you find yourself in an awkward, uncomfortable or unknown situation or cycle, take a step back and ask yourself if this is helping contribute the person you want to be and what you want to achieve. Ask yourself how you got yourself into this situation. Was it an accident? Was it unexpected? Was it a misunderstanding? By asking yourself these questions, it will hopefully help you avoid these situations in the future.

At the end of the day, you’ve got to be happy with you.

Throughout life, it’s important to stay true to yourself. There’s nothing wrong with being selfish and doing something that you need to do. Whilst at the time you may feel awful or confused, if it’s something that will make you happier in the long run, you just need to bite the bullet and do it. Future you will thank you for your bravery.

Whilst I realize this all seems very cheesy, sometimes you really just need some cheesy words of advice to get you through. I know the past few weeks have been extremely stressful for not only myself but many of my friends and by listening to my heart, it helps reassure myself that I’m on track and happy underneath it all.