Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Follow your Heart

Staring at the bottom of his coffee cup he thought to himself, "I'd better get busy". But doing what? He made a list - Organize the garage; Put up the fountain; Spot clean the carpet; Tighten every knob on every drawer in the house; Keep the kitchen clean; Trim the hedges; Clean the barbecue; Start networking; Dust; Clean the bathrooms; Get the spa working - had another sip of coffee and recalled the conversation he had the previous night.

She held his face tenderly in her hands and gazed deeply into his eyes. "You need to decide what you want to be when you grow up," she said. "Look into your heart and figure out what makes you happy and pursue it. I will support your decision no matter what. You don't have to rush out and take the first crappy job that comes along. You've done that and been miserable. I don't want you to be miserable anymore. I love you."

He looked back at his list. Crumpled the paper into a ball and started a new list.

. Love your wife with all your heart and soul
. Give of yourself to your children
. Spend time with your aging and ailing mother
. Walk that big headed stupid dog we love so much
. Make your work light - but do it
. Listen to your heart not your head
. Place the ghosts of the past behind you

"That's a good start," he said out loud to the dog snoring at his feet. "Time to go for a walk, clear the head and figure out what we want to do when we grow up. I wonder if it's too late to become an oceanographer?"

Leash in hand. Door open. The world beckoned.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

May your feet float on air with a list so RIGHT, priorities so honestly and powerfully re-arranged.

Good things come to those who live and love with eyes wide open.

Mona said...

yea..that is what I keep hearing " follow your heart"...
It will take us to many a wrong places and will make us fall many a time. But this is how we learn to rise and become integrated!

Deb said...

Sometimes we miss out on life while we're making our "to do" lists. I think this post really hit a chord with me, because so many people focus on high careers and "goals" that everyone else has, and when you really take a good hard look at them ---most of them are miserable. I know, because I've been in the corporate world and hated it. I was lucky enough to get out and do what I love - pursue my passions - even if that means making less money.

Great post! Thanks for the inspiration! :)

Tabor said...

Since most of us are now going to live to our 90's I think at least three career changes are in order!

Brian Miller said...

love your list...it is a great start. chase those dreams....

One Prayer Girl said...

This is a marvelous post. I know why I became a follower. This is a keeper and I can think of lots of people who could benefit from reading it. I did.

PG

Matty said...

THAT is exactly what I would love to do.

My Walkabout said...

i love the new list. thanks for the inspiration.

Shadow said...

oh YES!!!!!!!!!

the walking man said...

growing back to youth is an acceptable direction so no it's never to late to study what you love.

Green-Eyed Momster said...

I love your new list. Keeping the kitchen clean is key though and everyone will appreciate it!
;)

Your post made me cry. I am truly touched. I'm still figuring out what I want to be when I grow up too. Find people you want to work with. Like-minded people with a sense of humor. Just watch out for weirdoes who blow on your neck....(see my R&R Wednesday)

Best wishes for you on following your heart!

Cameron said...

what a great list. the soul searching begins - and the list is full of heart and soul. you are on an interesting journey that I truly feel will end in a fabulous place - and I also personally believe it is NEVER too late to start a new path, a new career.

Nessa said...

You made me cry. I hope and pray you get your heart's desire!

One Single Impression - Insomnia

C.M. Jackson said...

very cool-that's a list to admire and inspire---just follow your heart and dreams-peace