Each week, spiritual teacher Deepak Chopra responds to Oprah.com users' questions with enlightening advice to help them live their best lives.
Q: I am at a crossroads in my life and need to make some decisions regarding my future. I am from South Africa and am living in Seoul, South Korea. I am a teacher who left my country to pursue new ideas and to earn a better salary doing what I love. I always intended to go back. But now I find there are so many options, and as far as my career goes, I really don't have a great desire to settle back in South Africa. I have learned you don't have to live in fear, behind fences, etc. But my family is all there—my parents, grandparents, sisters and their children. My heart wants to be a part of their life and with them, but common sense tells me there are safer, better places to live. In addition to this, I do not have my own family, and this is something I would really like to have. Do I go with my heart or my head?

— Kerry B., Paju-si, South Korea

Dear Kerry,
I think we both know that you should go with your heart, but let's see if we can make the decision easier. When you talk about living in fear in South Africa, I don't know if you mean as a black person confronting racism or as a white person afraid of the new society back home.

In either case, you can't go home to be in fear. Before you make any major decisions, talk to your family. Honestly express your misgivings. Make it clear you are not merely complaining or asking for reassurance. Discuss practical ways to make your life feel safer. Even if your family feels differently, you are who you are. Career is never a substitute for fulfillment of the heart. Do all you can to reach that fulfillment, but on a basis of feeling secure first.

Love,
Deepak

Next: You're trying to make up after a fight with your adult son, but he won't back down—what should you do?

Every week, Deepak will be answering questions from readers just like you—ask your question now!

Deepak Chopra is the author of more than 50 books on health, success, relationships and spirituality, including his current best-seller, Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul, and The Ultimate Happiness Prescription, which are available now. You can listen to his show on Saturdays every week on SiriusXM Channels 102 and 155.

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