Understanding the Heart's Influence

For those with tender hearts that have hardened over time, it's essential to reconsider the age-old advice of "follow your heart."

I once accepted my heart's guidance without question. Yet, as I matured, I observed many adults make choices dictated by their feelings, often overlooking the wisdom that comes from experience. The saying that age brings wisdom is misleading; true wisdom stems from actively applying insights learned over time.

Many individuals, even in their later years, continue to repeat mistakes that would astonish younger observers. As the clock ticks, their negative patterns only accelerate.

Here are three compelling reasons to reconsider the instinct to follow your heart and what you should listen to instead.

1. Your Heart May Not Always Be Right, Leading to Harmful Outcomes

It's crucial to recognize that a heart in turmoil can lead you astray. Consider moments when you acted out of hurt, anger, or disappointment, only to later regret your choices.

When your heart yearns for something, it can lead to places that are far from ideal. While mistakes can offer valuable lessons, they don't negate the disappointment of realizing that what you desired was not what you truly needed.

Your heart, when misaligned, can deceive you. Thus, following your heart without assessing its emotional state can result in unfavorable outcomes.

2. Your Heart Can Drive You Towards Emotional Responses That Have Long-Lasting Effects

Emotions shift rapidly, and in those moments, we may forget commitments made to ourselves. Have you ever felt resolute about a change, only to revert back to old habits shortly thereafter?

Your heart's emotions can swing dramatically, making it vital to practice patience as you navigate these changes.

3. You Risk Losing Sight of Your True Self and Values

When you blindly follow your heart, you might forget your identity. Self-awareness and personal growth are essential on your journey, and taking the time to reflect on your feelings is crucial.

Creating space for introspection allows you to identify when you're most vulnerable to self-sabotage, connect with healthy coping mechanisms, and align with a community that supports your growth.

Don't Allow Your Heart to Lead You Blindly

Automatic responses can feel easy, but they often lead to misguided choices. When your heart urges a decision, pause and assess whether it's coming from a healthy place.

Have you recently evaluated the direction your heart is taking you? Are you moving towards positivity or negative patterns?

Taking the time to explore these questions can facilitate honesty and open doors for positive change.

What to Listen to Instead: Embrace Soulful Adulting

Soulful Adulting is about aligning with the goodness within you, allowing your thoughts and actions to stem from a place of love, joy, and patience.

Here are three steps to engage in Soulful Adulting:

1. Conduct a Heart Check

   Evaluate where your heart is before making decisions. Is it overwhelmed or content? This reflection is the first step toward positive action.

2. Examine Your Motives

   Assess your underlying motives before acting on your feelings. Understanding your true desires will help you make informed choices.

3. Take Positive Action

   Simply thinking about change is not enough. Engage in actions that promote well-being and serve your soul positively.

The first video titled "STOP Listening To Others! Why You Need To Listen To Your SOUL and REWRITE Your Story | Shirin Etessam" emphasizes the importance of tuning into your inner self and re-evaluating your life's narrative.

The second video, "Why you shouldn't follow your heart," explores the pitfalls of allowing emotions to dictate life choices.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Your Journey

Regardless of your current situation, you have the power to cultivate goodness within yourself. Offer others the space to grow while maintaining your own identity.

Life is challenging, but through Soulful Adulting, you can stand firm in your light.

It’s never too late to redirect your path and seek a supportive community. Surround yourself with positivity, and don't settle for less than what you deserve.

You are worthy of love, joy, and fulfillment. Keep striving for a life that resonates with your true self.

With appreciation,

Shari