Jovius,

For more years than I can remember, my life was neither sad nor happy; I was like an old fashioned auto-tron.  I simply existed.

A friend, who turned out to be my best friend, was going through a rough time in their life; somehow I was able to provide a small measure of comfort and strength that I hope helped at least a little in their struggle.  In turn my friend guided me here.  The daily messages inspired me, along with meditation class's, to learn what I had known all along, but was hiding from myself.  

I learned I had made mistakes in the past, I had been wronged in the past, I had never forgiven those that had wronged me nor had I ever forgiven myself.  Then I hit a low point in my life and my new BEST friend in turn was able to get me through.  As I read an article from the Chopra Center, forwarded by my best friend, it hit home; I had never forgiven myself.  I could never forgive those that had wronged me until I forgave myself.  It felt like a crushing weight had been lifted from my shoulders.  I no longer held animosity to those that I had let bring darkness into my life.  I saw with a new clarity and things that were un-clear became remarkably clear. 

As I continued to read the daily messages, I learned that I could be happy, there is Joy in the world and I no longer had to be just existing.  Between the messages and the mediation, I have seen my heart’s desire; I see the path for me. 

This brings me to my question:
My path will hurt some people that I cherish and I feel reluctance to take the step that can lead to the anguish I will undoubtedly cause.  Even though my path is clear and I know my heart’s desire, I feel un-certain that it will happen, but I am certain the path is straight and true.  I know I must take this path and for only then can I see if I will get to my heart’s desire.  But, at the same time, I feel the pain that my actions will cause and I hesitate to cause this pain.  Why must my journey cause this pain to others?

Tom (Cincinnati, Ohio, USA)

 
[Jovius]

Your path is yours and another’s path is theirs.  Although your path may intersect, sometimes you have it on your journey to move in a direction that is not pleasing to another.  This by no means is your fault.  It is their reaction to your choices.  It is not your responsibility to take care of anyone but you.  You can actually better take care of others by being true to yourself.  Doing what gives you joy can actually free others, when you become who you truly are.  They may have to readjust, this is so.  But, when you live from your heart, your love will guide you.  Your intention to bring harm to no one and to only inspire joy, will take you where you need to go.  Others need to find their own joy, but you can lead and help them by your example..