Easy as 1,2,3.

So lately I’ve been thinking about life choices.

And no, not like Pregnancy Clinic types of life choices.

Since we don’t know each other that well yet, I’ll fill you in on a little secret. I like to boil things down. A reduction sauce of all the elements. This leads to one major epiphany: our life choices are broken down to 3 main directions. Not meaning to convey this message through a variety of similes, but one approaches a fork in the road and you have 3 directions you can follow: Your Heart, Your Head, or Your Wallet.

Why yes, I did make an incredibly lame circle graph to illustrate this point.

Now isn't that pretty?

I’m not saying each road is strictly one, two or three. Some are laced with factors of all the above. In fact, when you look at it, you have 7 choices really. But I’ll follow this rambling train of thought a  little later.

Now, I might just be a stupid girl with stars in her eyes, but I like to think that one should always follow their heart first and foremost. Oh, I can hear you Head followers seething with discontent. However, following your heart can lead to immense pleasure, satisfaction, and ultimate happiness. You’ve followed your dream. You’ve achieved the ultimate that you desire. But following by heart alone you are, in theory giving up logic and money. You’re left hanging in the breeze with no stable ground, just your merits. But why does that matter, you’re happy! Right?

Leading with your Head. This road is full of schematics and lists of Pros and Cons. My dad used to always say, get out your yellow legal pad and make a list before making any decision. This has always seemed so stiff to me, but has it’s merits. You logically make the decision that fills the gaps. You might be a square peg trying to fit in a round hole, but dangit, you will whittle away those pesky corners to fit. I think most decisions are made this way, yellow legal pad or not. Should I accept this job? Sure it’s not my dream, but benefits, opening up new career avenues, gainful employment… and I realize this may not be the best example. How about; do I move into that beautiful 1500 square foot apartment for $400 a month? Sure it’s in a bad neighborhood, but the lighting is perfect, it’s large, it’s close to work, I can have a dog, etc.

And since we’re talking money, I can start delving into following your wallet. I think so many people put their dreams on the back burner because they follow the money trail. And I’m not one to talk smack, I’ve done and continue to do this. Let’s face it, money makes the world go round. As much as I wish it would run on hopes and dreams, it doesn’t.

So when does one sacrifice one for another? The best choice is that tiny middle area. When the planets align and you’re following your Heart, your Head, and by some grace of God, you’re making money at it. Happy day! But how often does that actually happen? We can’t discount this, I mean it DOES happen. If you have enough drive, you can do it, but it takes sacrifice. I look at David Bowie for inspiration. However, playing the sax? Bowie, that is a dream you need to let die. It’s not going to happen.

So I can dream that taking the Heart road will lead one to that beautiful Mecca of Happiness and Success. This also requires a logical plan. Life gets in the way of a lot of dreams, so you need to plan for these contingencies. And planning ahead, not my strongest suit.

And my decisions right now? Well, that’s a discussion for a whole other day. We’ll just say I’m standing at that fork scratching my head.