Career and Dreams

Many of my patients hold esteemed positions: lawyers, doctors, researchers, professors—roles that society views as successful and respectable. However, I’ve noticed that many individuals choose these paths not out of passion but due to influence from parents, culture, or societal expectations. These external pressures often steer them away from what their hearts truly desire.

Just yesterday, a patient who is a researcher at Harvard University shared her struggles with me. She mentioned needing a vacation—despite having just returned from one—because she felt more stressed than before. Emails had piled up, tasks were waiting, and the pressure felt insurmountable. She confided that she wanted to retire by age 50. Intrigued, I asked what she planned to do after retirement. To my surprise, she had a detailed dream: after retiring, she plans to bring her paints with her to travel around the world (she loves painting), attend meditation retreats, and, upon returning, open a coffee shop—possibly with a bakery alongside it. This, she said, was her dream job.

Her story reminded me of another patient, a lawyer and former professor, who shared a similar longing. She dreamt of opening a tea house. Her career in law wasn’t her choice; it was heavily influenced by her father, a dominant figure in her life. Though successful by societal standards, she was deeply unhappy. After working with me for some time, she finally quit her professorship. However, while she remains in the legal field, she hasn’t yet mustered the courage to pursue her dream of opening a tea house.

When faced with the choice between societal expectations and their own dreams, most people opt for the path society deems more prestigious. Dreams are often postponed until after retirement, but the harsh truth is that delaying dreams can sometimes mean abandoning them altogether. It becomes increasingly difficult to pursue what we love as time goes on.

Listen to Your Heart

“Everything comes from your heart.” If your heart is troubled, it reflects in your physical and emotional health, especially over the long term. Choosing what truly brings you joy—what resonates with your heart—is far more important than titles or societal approval. A joyful heart is the foundation of health and happiness.

Yet, in reality, few people make decisions based on their inner desires. Most allow external influences to dictate their paths. My message is simple: pause, feel your heart, and make decisions that align with your true self. Let your heart guide you toward joy and fulfillment, because a joyful heart leads to a healthy and happy life, and is the echo of the universe.