The “hidden path” is a concept. It’s an idea simmering in my subconscious. It was placed there while listening to a chapter about “Secrets” in Peter Thiel’s Zero to One. Peter talks about secrets as fundamental “truths” in nature and in people. He provides examples of how you can use a secret for monetary gain. The example he shares was the world before AirBNB. He describes how they profited from understanding a connection between travelers paying high hotel prices and property owners unable to reliably rent out their unused space. These examples are very appealing for the majority of desires today. However, I can’t help but sense there’s something more about these secrets if used toward a different focus. Metaphorically, it’s causing bubbles and ripples on my perceived reality. The picture and goal I have in mind where I believe I will feel successful is being distorted by something unseen.
There are some things I think about that I thought were normal. It wasn’t until my girlfriend of almost five years told me that I was actually very strange. “Not in a bad way” she says, “you’re just different.” Her comments were more flattery than criticism as she continues to explain that those were the qualities that attracted her. She admires description of life when I try to explain to her my perception of the world that she admittedly has no idea what I’m talking about. She says this yet, I believe it is her spirit that tells through her feelings whether or not it’s true. That’s a contrarian idea, if something “feels” true despite logic telling you otherwise. That’s one of the hidden paths of life. Following your heart.
Sometimes it is the heart that overcomes all obstacles despite every possible reason why it will never work. It is through the inspiring stories shared by people who have walked that path, that we see that there is always another path we can take in life. No matter how hard or rigid my life may seem, I can always change it at the drop of a hat. I may even feel crazy but sometimes the fire in my heart is so powerful, it will cause me to sacrifice a smaller purpose for the greater one. I am mesmerized by all these great feats of people who have accomplished such great things but the side we do not see is the shadow of their achievements. The family that was left behind, the debt that was piling up, the competition positioned to destroy them. It is a secret that any great attempt is matched with an opposite and equal force to prevent it. It is a classic battle of light vs. dark and we are all the hero in our own stories.
Following your heart is a lot easier said than done. A majority of people I talk to experience some form of anxiety, stress, depression, and other labels for the state of their heart. The hidden truth is it’s a warning signal from your spirit. It’s telling you something is wrong you need to do something about it. Sometimes we need help in figuring that out. We think we need a new job, to make more money, to find a girlfriend or boyfriend, have a child, win the lottery, in order for the negative emotions to stop. These things, if achieved are only part of the answer. You have to live a life of truth, honesty, and genuine love for people. That’s how you stop the negative feelings. Every white lie is a vote for the person you don’t want to become, a liar. Every bad thing I’ve done, I need to own it. Or I suddenly can’t sleep at night. Sleep is the foundation for well-being so it has a subtle and devastating effect on every facet of my life including my job, relationships, health, and money. But if I continue this path and build upon it with every act, something miraculous will occur. I will find the hidden path to happiness. A place where I harbor no ill-will toward anyone with complete understanding behind people’s emotions, desires, and beliefs. This will transcend the mind to new hidden paths of thinking and elevate the world to a new age golden age of enlightenment. I just have to believe.