Recently I saw a TV commercial advertising retirement services. The company depicted pictures of retired people doing the hobbies they’ve always wanted to do. They were filling the void inside them; their passion. I know the commercial was meant to be uplifting, but I thought it was sad.
Why push off our dreams until retirement? What if at that time we are incapable of fulfilling our passion because of health issues or other reasons?
We need to feed our soul in order for it to survive. How do we do that? I think part of the answer is making sure our values and priorities match up. The second part of the equation is fulfilling our passion.
For years I was so busy working and taking care of two boys I didn’t even have the time to think about what I was passionate about. I couldn’t have told you what it was because I didn’t know. A small part of me was not thriving, though.
What are you passionate about? Do you know?
I eventually realized I loved to write. Writing fueled my soul like nothing else. It still does. It’s that unique part of who I am. I was still very busy with family and work, but I found a little time to start writing. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I kept trying. I loved writing and how it made me feel.
Are you doing what you love? At least once in a while? Our passion doesn’t have to be a full time job, but I think as long as we are acknowledging it for a few minutes a day or some time over the weekend, we are benefitting. If you’re passionate about boating but live nowhere near water, you could read about boats and vacation where you can go boating. Sometimes, I’ll just read books on writing and that fills the void.
There are so many things people are passionate about: art, volunteerism, nature, horses, sports, writing, reading, crafting, etc. Try to find time to feed your soul and work on your passion at least a few minutes each week. I hope you’ll find it rewarding.
Have a great week!
Katelin Maloney