Following Your Heart Always Pays Off

Following Your Heart Always Pays Off

Rachel A Meise
Word Count: 300

I have found that I am reminded constantly of my past decisions. This may explain why I have been so careful to be so aware of the wants and desires of my family, because I know that ultimately that their opinions have the power of making my life wonderful, or a living hell.

I experienced this in the truest sense approximately a year and a half ago. I had joined the navy after a year of military junior college, unsure of what I wanted in my life. My brother had commissioned in the navy in 2003, and had been a role model to me, so I was convinced that my dream would match his. Sadly, I was wrong, and after two weeks of trudging down the same path, I began to notice it. I missed the army training I had done the year prior. I expected to receive support from my family as I told them my decision to separate voluntarily after the spring, and switch branches. To my surprise, the backbone that I had striven to strengthen failed to support me. I felt like I was living in a nightmare as my family’s pride faded and was replaced by harsh arguments and disapproval. I began doubting myself, but my feeling that I was in the wrong place never faded. 

At the end of the year, I knew that if I backed down, I would never have to courage to take any other leap in life, and that the “safe road” would always limit me. So I paused, jumped, and didn’t look back. It turned out to be the best decision I have ever made. I eventually won over the love of my family again, and gained a sense of self-respect that I never dreamed I would have.

BELIEF: Following your heart, no matter what the adversity, always pays off.