Following Your Heart (and other lame ideas)

A warning to the tame: This week's blog is not for everyone. (Like that's news.)

It's not for the faint of heart or for those who have no yearnings.

It is for those who have dreams -- but who are afraid to hear the voices screaming to them in the night, while driving, while daydreaming at work or wherever or whenever those voices speak.

Yes, this week's blog is for those who are lucky enough to hear voices but who are afraid to (1) admit it, and, more importantly, (2) do anything about it.

Before we move on, let's clarify. We're not talking about seeing dead people (so last century), visualizing spontaneous combustion (Carrie's got the corner on that market), or hearing voices that urge you to cause harm (call 911 now).

We're talking, instead, about the 'voices' in your head, speaking to you from your heart, that are urging you to live your life to the fullest. (Too sappy? Okay, you may be right. But these times could use a little sappiness, no?)

Given my work, I regularly have the opportunity to discuss the aspirations of others. The session typically begins with a review of professional goals -- a conversation that is remarkably 'corporate' and, as such, is devoid of emotion. A rather matter-of-fact, dry discussion, all things considered.

Every so often, though, that conversation evolves to a much more profound and sensitive arena. With a certain shyness, a visible apologetic affect, and not unlike a child opening a hand to reveal a special marble or stone, the individual slowly describes a dream she or he has had for years about the career longed for, about the the life truly desired. No longer is this a monotonic conversation! On the contrary, this is a discussion filled with passion, longing and hope. The voice quickens, the eyes brighten, and you can almost hear the heart sing.

Not unlike Kevin Costner's character in Field of Dreams -- where voices were actually heard. Voices telling him, say it with me, to 'Build it and they will come', or 'Go the distance', or, even better, 'Ease his pain.'

Messages he didn't understand. Messages that caused conflict and pain. Yet messages, from his heart, that led him truly home and fulfilled him in a very big way.

On a personal note, I've often wondered how I'd react if I heard a voice or -- in somewhat more culturally-acceptable terms -- had a calling. A voice or calling urging me to pursue a different career, devote my energies to a new or different cause, choose a professional path substantively different from my own. Would I acknowledge it? Would I listen, really listen? Would I do anything?

I wonder.

Indeed, it's a truly magical moment when an individual has the courage to admit to oneself and to me that a voice from the heart has been heard, that a passion boils, that a dream exists. In many ways, there's nothing quite like watching someone connect to the truth that lives within.

So, I pose two questions:

1. Is there a voice, a passion, a dream living unrealized within you? And, if so,

2. What are you doing about it?

Count yourself among the very lucky if 'Yes, there is' is your response to #1. Lucky because having a passion, a dream, is amazing and puts you in a special category, given the dearth of humans who appear to have them. Also lucky because passion fulfilled makes for an amazingly enriched life.

Count yourself among the vast majority of humans if your answer to #2 is 'Nothing yet, anyway.'

And herein lies the opportunity, summarized so cleverly in the title of this blog: Follow your heart! Go for it! Now!

That said, there's no need for any rash decisions. Instead,

• Listen carefully to the passion that is speaking to you
  
• Consider what it would be like to pursue your dream
• Develop a few steps to begin the pursuit, and, of course
• Take those first steps.

So, you've always wanted to be a dancer? Cool. Don't quit your day job just yet, but do enroll in a local dance class. Thought that being an artist would be wild fun? Great. Take an art class or two. Dreamed of being a major league ballplayer? Join the club (no pun intended) and find a local league in which to play. Love music and always wanted to sing on stage? Wonderful. Find a teacher, practice, and see what you've got.

Because here's the thing: Going for it is what it's all about. Maybe you've got talent; maybe you don't. Sure, it would be nice to have the requisite talent to achieve your dream. But, far more importantly, it's the pursuit of your dream that's essential. For, without doubt, that journey will enrich your life exponentially.

And, who knows, maybe if you build it they will come.