Is it odd to not have a “heart’s desire”?

[Lightsonthewater]

An author I know has just signed a copy of one of his books for me, the title relates to a heartbeat and he wrote “follow your heart, lights”. It got me thinking, I’ve never felt passionate about anything, never known my heart to want to go anywhere in particular. I’m averagely happy and healthy, had my share of life’s ups and downs but nothing traumatic. I guess I just meander on through life. I do find myself thinking about my child following their heart and how I can help them do that as they are passionate about some things. Am I odd or is this normal for some people?

Hi. I'm the same. I live with my emotions on quite an even keel. I don't go overboard about things. I don't get overly excited and I don't get particularly down. I think it is perfectly normal but sometimes I feel guilty because I feel I should be following my heart, living life to the full, being my best person, being "passionate" about something (probably the most overly used word ever IMO) - all the things that are spouted in trite motivational facebook posts and reality TV. Then I remind myself I am just fine how I am and that I am following my heart by just being me! As for your kids, I would have thought just the usual encouragement and support with their interests without the cliches :)

Thanks so much Galison x

Your words reminded me, I was chatting to someone once and said I felt odd for not having a career strategy or game plan like others. They replied I quite clearly did. I was puzzled until they said “your game plan is to just be yourself”. Yes, that is following my heart isn’t it.

As for my kid, if he heard me say “wanting to build rockets is his passion” he’d give me a right odd look!! But I do envy his clear ambition.

Thanks again for replying

No, we're just taught we're supposed to have a dream, but not everyone has one! It's perfectly fine to enjoy your life without feeling like you have to get to a certain thing. What happens when you get the dream? I imagine lots of people then find that it's not everything they thought it would be.