Of course, all of our stories are intertwined. This does not mean, however, that we are at the behest of another’s perception. It merely means that if we all follow the story written upon our heart, by our true selves, we begin to see a more fluid, cohesive manner in which our stories collide and mesh peacefully.
Immersing in another’s creation outside of our own can be so distracting, that our own story becomes fuzzy. Just because something exists, does not mean it must affect you, and just because something does not seemingly exist, does not mean it remains impossible. The line between possible and impossible only exists within the constructs of mind. Learn to operate through heart and imagination, unlocking the most profound truths within, and the mind will become your tool, working in conjunction with your passion.
Practicing this will chip away at the false matrix provided by the rules of life, a paradigm set by groupthink or other external factors. Find what makes you the individual that you are, for therein lies your truth and your story. When the heart is aligned with its story, life becomes effortless and prosperous--whatever prosperous means to you. Your parents’ or friends’ idea of success or happiness may not coincide with your own, and that is okay. We all have our own stories. Books, magazines, and TV portray their own sense of what is acceptable success or truly possible, but they are merely others’ creation and perception, based on their hopes, fears, and life experiences. If you see something outside of you that rings true or makes your heart leap, that is because it already exists within you and becomes a signal that you are witnessing a part of your story popping out from within to wave hello, beckoning you to keep traveling the path ahead.
Is desire a product of ego? Is wanting overstepping the bounds of a set expectation of what this earthly life is? No.
Though we are programmed to concentrate on need, it is our wanting and desire, when emerging from the true heart; they are the litmus tests from which we can determine our next step. The heart needs nothing but the freedom to shine through the muck, and if our heart desires something, we have to trust it to not be egoic or narcissistic. When operating from our highest capacity, there is no need to fear a connected heart feeling selfish.
Here is a brief example: A man works tirelessly to feed his family, send his children to college, takes care of relatives that seem to always need some sort of assistance. His days are filled with the pressures of those in need around him. Slowly, his health starts to wane and his hope for his own dreams fades into what seems a childish memory. He begins to resent his career, but he cannot possibly switch paths due to those that “need” him.
From the outside, he seems noble, and though the intention truly is, what is nobility at your own detriment? Soon, being tired and weary transforms into exhaustion, despair, and possibly bitterness. This affects the body and soon could lead to him relying on others just as those relied on him, thinking all options are limited. Meanwhile, the guilt of not being able to take care of those existing in need also sets in. He is stuck in a vicious circle, created by the perception that others’ stories supersede his own, becoming a martyr in vain.
I am not saying helping others is unnecessary. That would be heartless and ridiculous. I am illustrating an example where many get taken advantage of due to the ever expanding prism of lack. We feel that some are just unable to follow their own story, and so we carry their burden as well as our own. All parties suffer, consequently. Those that are dependent cannot break the cycle, while the altruistic drown from the perpetual swim upstream.
“I can’t change careers because...”, “I need a break from work, but...”, “I can’t drop this or that toxic person from my life because...”--All of these buts and becauses are that programming forcing us to look at need instead of our heart’s desire. It is not egoic to say no, or choose to do for oneself. It is not selfish to wish to follow the yearning of one’s heart. Your story, your life journey is for you, regardless of what others think or feel. They view life through their creation; you view through your own. Sometimes they line up blissfully as the two cross paths, and other times... we learn other lessons.
It is all so very simple in the end. Be where you wish to be—every day. Strip away the world of need in front of you. The mirage of lack has lulled us to believe it is a struggle and it’s all a fight. Breathe easy and know it is all within. Your health, your dreams, and all the love you need to fulfill an incredible journey. See the abundance, and feel the lightness about you as you realize your freedom and empowerment.