The force of the heart is a formidable one. Few that attempt to challenge it come away victorious.
Last Thursday was a beautiful evening in Buffalo, N.Y. Windows down, radio up and without a hurry I waded into a large traffic circle.
Thud.
Apparently the kid behind me was enjoying the scene a little too much. He failed to yield his right of way and planted one on my back bumper. As we pulled over to assess the minor damage, it occurred to me it might take some time. I looked over at my take-out bag from the Indian place sitting in the passenger seat.
For a second, my biggest worry was that my dinner was going to get cold before I could eat it. (Some who know me well wouldn’t be surprised.)
I love Indian food. I don’t eat it often, though. It’s a treat for me. In the moments leading up to the accident, I was in a great mood. The weather had something to do with it, but it was mostly the anticipation of my chicken tikka masala treat.
Being more concerned about my appetite than my car or the well-being of the other driver is embarrassing. And pathetic. And normal.
Our brains don’t take too kindly to unwelcome information. Especially when that information gets in the way of doing this or believing things we want. This is good when it fuels an unwavering pursuit of your passions. It’s less good when you’re unexpectedly smashing into the back of someone else’s, whether or not you intended to.
When your heart decides it wants something, your mind will go to great lengths to follow. The same goes for the person sitting across the (table, counter, phone line, etc.) from you.
Your ability to win her over likely depends on your ability to help her follow her heart. Even if it doesn’t always seem like the practical thing.
Image courtesy: Travis S.
