How To Be Wild At Heart

When you hear someone say, "Be wild," it's not about doing drugs, drinking hard liquors, vandalizing walls, or hanging out in different bars every night. Being wild means going on a real adventure, either an adventure in mind or the world. If you compare it with birds, they're called wild birds because they have the liberty to go out, fly, and reach high places as often as they can. If you think about animals, that's why they're called wild animals because they live on their own, survive by themselves without the help of humans, and of course, because they're free and untamed. 

I believe that humans are wild at heart too, it's just that some are kept in cages for so long. Some wild hearts were suppressed, hidden, and changed due to circumstances. However, that doesn't mean you can never have a wild heart again. Unleash your heart the best way you can.

1. Know Who You Are

Start by knowing yourself first. It's the most crucial step. You can't venture into your mind or any parts of the world if you don't know who you are. Otherwise, you'll end up pretending to be someone you're not. When you're pretending, you're caging your true self and your genuinely wild heart.

Once you recognize who you are, learn to accept it. Avoid hating yourself for something you're not. I admit I used to dislike myself before for not being as good as the others. When I was in college, there were days when I compare myself to other girls who I believe were a lot prettier, taller, smarter, and simply better than me. Looking back now, I wish I could tell my younger self how unique and special I really am. So, know yourself and accept it.

2. Write Down Your Feelings

I remember the first time I started my own diary was when I was nine years old because I was inspired by this Barbie movie (The Barbie Diaries). Since then, I began to write down my feelings, dreams, and even the smallest details happening to my young life. I remember even starting a new notebook when I reached high school and filled it with stories and poems I made for my HS Crush hahaha! Wanna know how it ended up? I burned that journal because my crush ended up asking my best friend out. I was so dramatic back then. 😂😂

Eventually, I moved from my journal notebook into an online blog when I turned 14. That's when I started blogging about my personal life. There's something beautiful about writing your feelings down. It's like making a blueprint about your thoughts and plans. When I write my thoughts down, the more they make sense, and the more I realize how much I want them to happen. If you haven't started a journal you're whole life, try it. It's never too late.

3. Count The Things That You Have

One thing that most people unconsciously do is count the things they don't have or can't do. Unfortunately, doing so will only make you miserable, dissatisfied, and ungrateful. Reflect on yourself and look at the things you have and build from them. For instance, I used to admire online sellers because I can't do what they do. I'm not a good salesperson. Hell I don't even know how to be a convincing person in order to attract someone to buy a product from me. Being an online seller takes skills. 

I may not be a good salesperson, but I believe I am a good writer. So, that's where I build myself, from my passion for writing. If you just open your eyes about yourself, you'll realize that you have more to give and show off. So, always count the positive things you have in life.

4. Don't Be Too Materialistic

I'm not struggling with this part because I was never a materialistic person, thanks to the people who raised me. When you're blinded by material things, the more you'll miss out on the real joys of life. For instance, you're so into collecting expensive branded cars that you missed going on road trips due to the fear that you might damage them. Or maybe you fear that burglars might invade your house, so you never get out. Or perhaps you love your new pair of shoes so much that you don't wear them out of fear that they'd get dirty.

If you really want to be wild at heart, don't let yourself be stuck with material things. Use your brand new car and travel to faraway places you've never been before. Get out of your house and build good relationships. Wear that new pair of shoes and wear them out for a hike to the mountains. 

5. Get Out And Live Your Life

This is so easy to say, but it's actually hard to do, even for myself. I remember two years ago about how I always wanted to get out and travel around Bohol because that's what my heart desires. But I couldn't do it back then because I caged myself with the pressure I put myself into, which is to work my ass off and give back to my parents and help my siblings finish their studies. However, the more I drown myself in the pressure, the more I started losing my motivation. 

So, a year ago, I started going out. Even as simple as going out for lunch with my workmates helped in keeping me sane. That's when I realized that I can still pursue my dreams of helping my family without having to compromise my sanity and my heart. Accept the fact that you're a person who needs to get out sometimes and feel the Earth beneath your feet. Right now, what I do is work on the weekdays and get out on weekends. 

Takeaway

I am no expert, but these tips helped me get myself together and sync with my wild heart. All of us have different journeys, and probably some of these may not apply to you. But if you feel like you've been caged for a long time, don't be afraid to start over and incorporate these tips into your life. So, get out there, unleash your genuine self, be unique, chase your dreams, and be wild at heart. Ciao!