Note: This article is from Erin Falconer's blog, where she talks about the difficulties one faces when listening to one's heart.
Before we delve into the challenges you will face when embarking on an authentic life, let's think of these questions: Why does your heart beat? Would we be exaggerating if we said that the purpose you seek could only be found in your heart?
We all recognize the powerful emotion that sweeps over us when our hearts fervently yearn to undertake something, to dive into the depths of the unknown. However, only some remain faithful to what their heart wishes and desires.
I write this because I sincerely hope that you listen to your heart. Yet, I also want to warn you about some challenges that will cross your path so you can be prepared to face them.
6 Challenges You Will Face When You Follow Your Passion
1. People's Doubt in You
Among all the choices you make in life, amidst your dreams, interests, areas of passion, principles, and lifestyle decisions, there is a significant portion of people who will not agree with you or support you. It's an unalterable reality, but should you care about it?
I call these people 'the skeptics,' and if you pay too much attention to their opinions and give them control over your decisions, they will hurt you, discourage you, and make you feel bad for holding onto your values and making choices that you know will make you a happier person.
Inevitably, some people won't be happy with your success, and this is an unchangeable fact. If you succumb to this reality, you are giving up your opportunity to live a beautiful and honest life. It is absurd to forfeit this chance because of something you can't change. People will criticize you anyway, so follow what your heart desires.
2. Loss Of Close Friends
As you progress in life, your feelings, lifestyle, and thought processes will constantly evolve. However, some people who are accustomed to your old ways may not be able to adapt to this change. They won't reach the level of awareness you possess now.
You will notice changes in your relationships in various ways, and suddenly, you'll avoid seeing certain people because they behave acceptably. You won't send them text messages or call them as before, or you may stop doing so altogether. You won't engage in some events with them because they no longer align with your values.
Often, you'll feel like you're fighting an internal battle because you recognize your potential, and you know you'll be alone on the path you're taking. Some people won't be able to walk with you unless they change or at least accept your choices.
It's natural to feel guilty about the problems you've caused in your relationships due to the choices you've made and the changes you've implemented in your quest for growth and development. But here, once again, you should turn to your heart to tell you who deserves to be kept and who should be let go.
People come and go constantly, so hold onto those who are interested in your journey and care about your well-being. Support and love them, and remain grateful for them. As for those who don't support your choices, let them go because they are of no value to you.
3. People's Negativity and Criticism
Beware of the skeptics who will attack you as you grow. They will complain about you, hate you, challenge you, moan, and cry while they see you changing and becoming a better and more successful person.
Your growth threatens them and scares them; it's something new and different to them. It bothers people somewhat and puts them in a position where they feel they must defend their choices, beliefs, and lifestyle by making you feel like you’ve made the wrong choice.
Let them do as they please, and only confront them if it's worth. Be wise enough to know when to ignore them, then move on and continue your journey.
4. Loneliness
As you pursue your passion, you will sometimes feel a profound sense of loneliness. While you progress on your journey and strive to achieve what your heart desires, there will be moments when you feel utterly alone, facing the entire universe by yourself. Bad days can become excruciatingly tough, and often, you won't find anyone to lean on but yourself. Despite the ultimate rewards of this journey, you will experience significant solitude.
You must learn to embrace this feeling. We were born alone, and we will leave this life alone. We are always, inherently, alone in this world. But once you listen to your heart, you will realize that your solitude is just an illusion. We are constantly connected to everything around us, and it is absurd to be saddened by that fact.
5. The Stigma of Eccentricity
The more liberated you become, the more people might think you're eccentric, but that's perfectly fine. Eccentricity simply means that you are a unique individual.
This world needs exceptional people. Uniqueness can change and even influence the world. We change the world when we become exceptional individuals and achieve what we know in our hearts we can accomplish.
6. Misunderstanding
Some people will find it difficult to understand your eccentricity despite your continuous explanations for why you do what you do, your belief in them, and your defense of your ideas. You can try to explain to them, but most of your efforts may be in vain. In the end, people may not fully grasp you, and worse, they may completely misunderstand you.
Just because someone asks a question doesn't mean we must answer it. People often ask me, "Why did you become a vegetarian? Why do you feel the need to change the world? Why do you practice meditation?" When I don't feel like answering, I simply don't respond. Instead, I let my actions and achievements speak for me.
In Conclusion
This world needs you, so you should know you are a significant and unique individual. You possess many talents and strengths, and there is beauty within you that can make our world a better and brighter place. However, it's only you who has the choice to share this power, beauty, and talent with the people around you or to be the prison that holds them away from the world.
So, what will you choose? The path of fear, doubt, regret, and misery? Or the path of courage, goals, freedom, and strength?
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