follow your heart

Why does it seem that sometimes we are expected to achieve,to do, to succeed at something we were not born to do? Why do we let others define our paths, our futures? Maybe you have dreams, goals for yourself. Why not reach for the stars, because what you never try will always be a mystery. What you never try will always be lingering in the back of your mind and you will regret missing out on what you could have had. Don't let the opinions, the expectations of others guide you; let your heart guide you.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt once stated, "The only thing to fear is fear itself." Outsiders will throw fear in your face. People may judge you, may try and drive you away from what you feel called to do. They will doubt and discourage. They will do whatever they feel will bring you down. But your heart is fearless. You have something that they don't. You have strength from within that even the toughest of obstacles can't destroy. There is nothing, no challenge, no hurdle that you can't overcome.

I am so blessed to know such an incredible, amazing individual, someone who is not only a genuine friend, but a sister. Someone whom I seek advice from; someone who knows me from the inside out, who knows the meaning of love, hope, and faith. But what I most admire about her is her strength, the strength to go against the grain. She is about to embark on a new chapter in her life, slowly putting together the pieces of the puzzle, ready to pave a path for her future, but not necessarily the future other expect of her. Raised in a small, confining neighborhood, she is simply an upper-class, white girl stuck in a world where everyone is expected to be the perfect student, the perfect daughter, the perfect son. She is trapped in this pace where people tell you who you are to become, where people decide for you your future. She does not want to become just anyone. Instead, she wants to teach, she wants to help, to challenge, to better the lives of children. But, she does not want to teach just anywhere. She wants to teach in the inner city; she wants to be a part of Teach for America. Where? She does not yet know. She only knows that she will be guided by her heart. And people tell her she can't do it? People look at her with confusion and doubt. Whose place is it to tell her she can't? That answer is simple - no one. I cannot be thankful enough to have such a friend in my life. She has been with me through the bad and the good, the ups and the downs. Never has she judged me, but always accepted me. She always has her head held high and doesn't let others define her. She is courageous and determined. She is amazing. She follows her heart.

No one can tell you what you can't do. You want to change the world? Go for it. No one can stop you. It is your heart that will guide you. Don't look back because if you do, you might change your mind and it could be too late. Remember, always follow your heart.