Today I have been reminded of the wonderful things that happen when we follow the dreams in our hearts. How by following our own path in life regardless of others expectations, pursuing our passion no matter what it is, we bring so much brightness into this world. So much more than if we just stick to what is expected of us and let our passions die quietly, unheard and unexpressed.
I had been told many times before that if I pursue my dreams and commit to whatever may come as a result of that I would be of more use to the world. That I would shine more brightly for expressing my passion and I would change the world by being me and sharing my true loves. I can’t say I believed that for a minute.
Who did they think I am? And what kind of magical powers did they think I held?
I felt that if I followed my heart I was being selfish and indulgent, prioritising happiness in a world where that is not considered a priority compared to the traditional view of career progression and success. I weighed up the option of taking my leap towards my dreams rather than following the path of what was expected of me in our society. For many years I didn’t have the courage to leap, didn’t have the courage to just express who I am. I thought my dreams were silly, irrational, pointless and would not bring me this so called success in life. Success in the sense that they would not bring me financial security, job stability, recognition amongst my peers and a feeling of being worthwhile in others eyes. So I put them to bed, shoved them under the blanket and kicked them away whenever they threatened to surface. But then I finally woke up from that nightmare, reawakened my heart and her dreams and leapt into the unknown.
I didn’t realise the impact that pursuing my passion would have on others.
Those that told me the difference this would make to others were right. I knew it would make a difference to me but I didn’t expect the ripples from my leap into the ocean to affect others. By following my heart, by expressing who I am and pursuing a different life that is just right for me, I am not being selfish or doing something wrong. I am by no means sacrificing success. Yes I am prioritising my happiness and yes I am indulging myself in my passions and it feels wonderful. Finally I see that by being me, by prioritising HAPPY I am shining more brightly.
I am sharing my passion and happiness with others. And by doing that I am bringing good into the world. To me that is my success.
And what brought me to think about this today? Three wonderful comments on my Facebook group Katshark in which I post about my new life working with sharks:
‘Never underestimate the impact your posts have. Great to follow you and hear of your adventures and how they touch your heart and those of the people you meet’
‘Your descriptions take the fear away and that’s just what’s needed. In my mind you’ve made me see sharks like tigers, bears, orca etc. To be respected of course but breaking the mistaken idea they only have one facet (which is all most people think of them) and showing their depth. Great’
‘A friend of you mention/comment this before, my interest for sharks grows because of you. I was never bothered to see a shark or not. Nothing to do with fear, I just like small stuff, critters etc. Would love to talk with you!’
Those three comments have left me feeling humbled, happy and with a huge smile on my face today. For anyone out there that is faltering today, unsure of whether to express who they truly are and follow their dreams…..I encourage you wholeheartedly to do it. Yes it is scary, you will have fears, moments where you are paralysed by those fears and uncertainty. But remember this.
You will make this world a brighter place to live in by being true to you. You will bring hope to others and change our world for the better. Go now, create your dreams and leap.
bourbontea 
So, so true Kat. Like you, I spent many years following a traditional version of success – good job, career progression, financial security etc. Now I am pursuing what I love to do – teaching piano – and I am so much happier and feel like I’m making a much more positive impact on the world around me than before. Keep blogging as you write so well and what you have to say needs to be heard by many!
Thanks Rebecca! That’s great to hear you feel the same way as I think it is such an important lesson we all need to learn. I too play the piano and can imagine how happy you must be, not only for playing the instrument you adore but also teaching and inspiring others….what a life 🙂 And thank you for saying I write well….it is a passion I have been too shy to share until recently x
Completely true words! Not only will you have more of an impact on the world by doing something you love you’ll also help lead other people to do the same.This is something I had never even been told, but I’ve actually started to see it unfold in my own life… as we make changes and become more true to ourselves and our own path I watch friends and family in our circle do the same. It’s a great feeling to know you’re inspiring people to live their lives.
Hey Snazzyturtle, thank you 🙂 That’s great to hear you are seeing it infold in your life too…isn’t it just amazing to see the difference it makes?! Have a great weekend 🙂