Passion is defined as a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything. I've always been a little jealous of those people who knew exactly what their passion was early in life. I also appreciate that living life helps us develop passions that we may not have ever realized had we been focused too soon. That may sound like some people's excuse for moving through life from one thing to the next, searching for their passion. I (for some sick reason), remember when Kathy Lee Gifford left Regis, and on her last show she shared some advice that her father had given to her..."know what you love doing, and then figure out how to make a living doing it." Good advice, and even better work...IF you can get it.
I've been talking with a lot of people who feel stuck. The economy, their situation, whatever it may be, they feel like the paycheck at the end of the week is the only reason they are doing what they are doing, and they feel lucky to have a job. I've been there too...shoot, I am there. The weeks go by at lightning speed, and we stay on the same unchanging path, wary of it, but unwilling, or maybe JUST comfortable enough not to take a different path. Change and different paths are scary things and rather than make a mistake or become uncomfortable,or have to sacrifice a little, we stay on the same path. So, here's my question. If we have figured out what our passion is, and we step off the path and take a different direction, does it really all fall into place? I'm not saying that I'm dumb enough to think that the new path isn't full of dead ends and bumps, but is that path, the new path, more worth it?
In the end, I guess it boils down to faith. It is not about what others think you should do, its about what you feel in your gut and whether or not you have the faith and determination and drive to see it through. Kelly Cutrone gave some great advice..."it's a leap of faith, not a baby step." Do you have enough faith in yourself and in your passion to take the other path? As a creative person, my mind is full everyday of thoughts and ideas, and admittedly, I allow other people's opinions and whatever circumstance I am in to shut down some of those thoughts...Guilty. What I have recognized is that there are times in life when a circumstance allows us an opportunity to explore (or at least consider) something new...it's the acting on those opportunities that make us uncomfortable.
So, no more excuses. Figure out your passion, you probably already know what it is, and then start the journey to make it your reality.
