Photo: ArtsyBee

Every month Oprah Winfrey has an article in her magazine titled What I know for sure. She writes about the things she has learned to be true in life. This got me thinking, what have I found out for sure during my years on this planet. I know that I have made a heck of a lot of mistakes. I also know that I have had a heck of a lot of good things happen to me too. What do I know? What is it that I know to be true that I can pass on to others?

After giving it a lot of consideration, I have come to the conclusion that the majority of my life problems have stemmed from one thing. When I don’t listen to my inner voice and let others influence me against my better judgment, my life simply doesn’t work.

Let me give you an example. I have always, always had an artistic, creative side. This has been true for me since I was a small child. I wanted to be a commercial artist when I grew up. The people in my life (especially my father) although well meaning, were discouraging when it came to my career choice. My dad thought I should be a teacher. Teachers get three months off every summer, and really how hard can teaching kids be? Others told me to follow the money. Do whatever pays the most.

So I burned through many jobs, chasing money. It never occurred to me to try to find employment in the art field, remember I was told that wasn’t a good idea for me. After I married and had children, I stayed in one god awful job for 18 years. My other directed self-was listening to my well-meaning husband. He couldn’t understand why I hated a job that paid well, had benefits and an excellent 401K plan. This was also a job that I started watching the clock after I was there 3 minutes.

At the age of 45, I couldn’t not listen to my inner voice anymore. I quit my awful job after returning to school to study graphic design. It was the best decision of my life. I was finally doing what I was meant to do in life. Was I making a ton of money? In one short word No. Was I happy? Yes.

I have found that in life a person must always be true to their inner callings. That is the voice of God speaking. You will never go wrong following your heart. Is it scary? Sometimes. Is it challenging? Always. Will your heart sing and your soul soar? Most definitely.

Don’t be one of those people that puts off your life to be lived in some future time. Enjoy doing the things that make you smile, and all will be well. This I can promise you!