dre poetic: words by adrien salazar

In reclamation of the month of the heart, to bring more love and passion into the world, in the name of self-love, and because you deserve it: I issue a challenge to all of you out there who love anything, care about anything, feel something, deep in the pit of you. If you dare to live like you mean it, I challenge you.

The challenge is extremely simple: For 28 days in the month of February, put your heart first.

What might happen if for just 28 days, you gave in to your dreams? If for once in this fast-changing, money-driven world, you chose to live by what your heart needs. If you have wanted to be an artist, start painting. If you want to go to culinary school, sign up for a cooking class. If you’ve always wanted to be a revolutionary, go join a protest!

The challenge is this: commit yourself to your heart, firmly and decisively. Barring logistical constraints — you don’t have to leave your job or stop going to school — do all you can to live exactly how you have dreamed to live.

You can take many small actions or a few big actions! Following your heart can mean different things for different people. Here is a short list of of things you can do to start off:

- write that poem screaming inside you
- create a music album
- tell the person you love them
- come out of your closet
- send letters to loved ones
- go to the museum
- get that haircut you want
- redesign your wardrobe
- start your blog
- buy that ticket to Paris
- sign up for salsa dancing
- go talk to a stranger
- volunteer at an organization
- call your parents

Speak your truth

Don’t hesitate

Do it now.

If you feel something compelling you, go for it. And if you stop yourself, take a moment and reflect on why.

This challenge is predicated upon the possibility that our hearts know what is good and healthy and uplifting for us and our lives. That we are capable of everything we imagine. That good energy begets good energy, and that once you commit to your heart’s truth fully, all the Universe conspires in your favor.

Every day in February, live by that faith. Resist the I can’ts and I shouldn’ts. Tell yourself you deserve to live your dreams. This is your time, this is your life.

Try it out, just this once. Live by your heart. Then come back here and share what happens.

HeartFirst Challenge Instructions

This is a serious challenge, so considerate it seriously. By participating you are making a personal commitment to yourself, your heart, and your dreams. If you are up for it, email heartfirstchallenge@gmail.com with the following:

Your name, location, and an intro describing why you are taking on the Heart First Challenge, no more than 250 words all together, and a picture of yourself. When I get your email I will post your introduction here.

This website will document the Heart First Challenge. Weekly suggestions and exercises will be posted; but mostly I will post participant’s challenges, newfound blessings and opportunities, epiphanies, and revelations in their own words. Your commitment, asides your personal contract with your own heart, will be to send an update at least once a week in February to heartsfirstchallenge@gmail.com to be posted on this blog.

However if making public your dreams and wishes is not your cup of tea just yet, by all means, take the challenge on in secret as well! The point is to spread our love, passion, and the natural joy in our hearts into the world.

Think about it. Not too long though. Listen to your heart. Feel if this is something you need. If your heart says yes, then go for it.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.

-H.D. Thoreau