The courage to listen

In one of my sessions I had a conversation with a young teenager. She told me that it is difficult for her to be different. She does not like what others like. She does not follow the norm, and it makes her feel uncomfortable. I reassured her and acknowledged her bravery, her willingness to be true to herself, and her ability to listen to her heart.

As she spoke, I found myself thinking about my own journey. I studied two business degrees because “this is a good thing to have.” I followed a business career, climbed the ladder, and was considered successful, yet with every passing day I felt more sad and less satisfied.

Then one day, I had to stop. It was agonising and frightening to admit to myself that I was not happy in my professional life. That I did not know who I really was or what would make me happy.

I remember following my heart for the first time in my life, attending shamanic meditations and discovering my abilities. It felt as if magnetic forces were pulling me forward. I had so much resistance, both within myself and from the people around me, but I had to continue. My soul was not going to give up this time.

I found myself enrolling in Transpersonal Art Therapy because it felt right. I sat in the classroom and my soul felt alive. I could feel all my cells opening, learning, drinking in the information.

From that moment on, I had to follow my passion. I could no longer hide from myself or from anyone else. I became fully present, with all my abilities and talents, with all my passion and all my wishes.

And last week, I sat there listening to this young soul being brave and recognising who she is. All I could do was encourage her and support her on her journey.

It took me thirty years to gather the courage to listen to what my heart and soul were telling me. She is doing it at a much younger age.

It all begins with having the courage to listen to our heart, to our true wishes. Our soul speaks loudly when we are willing to listen.