Heart's Adventure

With the advent of Facebook, MySpace, and a wide variety of internet dating services, we are presented with more opportunities to network than ever before. After sifting through hundreds of online profiles, we may be encouraged by an occasional connection; but our internet search often leaves us feeling even more discouraged than before. A Pew Research Center Study from 2006, however, noted that only 3% of internet users who were married or in long-term relationships actually met on the internet. 38% met at work or in school and 34% met through family and friends. This suggests that we are more open to connect with others when we are engaged in heart felt pursuits, in our profession or with family and friends. Remember that finding that someone special is not about casting a wide net, it’s about following your hearts adventure, finding yourself, and opening up to that place of greatest potential to find someone to share your journey.

Whether it’s social pressure, boredom, or just plain loneliness, we can find ourselves in romantic situations that just don’t feel right. Have you ever gone on a date just to have something to do? Have you ever stayed together with someone just so you weren’t alone during the holidays or for a special occasion? When it comes to prospective romance, how often do we really listen to our heart and let it be our guide? When we go out with someone for the wrong reasons we may rationalize our actions with the old phrase, “You need to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince.” Deep down, however, we realize that there are other more healthy ways to fill our emptiness or find that someone special. Sure we need to risk for love, but first we need to love ourselves. This may be easier said than done, but when we stop chasing after our dreams and really begin to experience the present we can feel whole again. Stopping to experience the here and now may at times bring fear and anxiety; but it can also bring clarity and acceptance, putting us in a better place to attract the person who is right for us.

As we start the New Year, I’m reminded that new beginnings in themselves often inspire hope. When we get to a place where we’re feeling frustrated, it’s often because we’ve been doing the same thing again and again while expecting different results. It’s not until we are open to experiencing a new way of looking or approaching things that we’re actually able to move forward and break through our barriers. Sometimes we can’t do this by ourselves and it takes an external structure to get us going – a personal trainer or a life coach can really help us expand our horizons and give us that extra edge to create success. So in 2010, whether you choose to go it alone or reach out for additional support, may your new beginnings lead you to health, happiness and prosperity. Happy New Year Everyone!