IT'S A PASSION THING

---

            A few years ago, I was consulting with a young lady in her early twenties. She had spent most of her life battling reoccurring health issues. She was in a stable place and wanted to find her path in life. I admired her for her resilience and determination. During our discussion, we talked about a few of her career choices; well, at least what she thought she wanted.  “I want to be a nurse, because I want to help people,” she said. Honestly, I didn’t get that vibe, so I casually asked her, “So, you don’t mind cleaning up a sick person’s throw-up or poop?” Instantly, she frowned and blurred out “Eww, Nooo.” I continued, “what exactly do you think this job involves, checking their blood pressure, giving medication? Yes, of course, but there are other things, not so inviting sometimes.” Her eyes widened and she looked stunned as if I burst her bubble. Afterwards, I shared  a few alternative things with her. I wasn’t’ surprised after administering a few assessments with her that most of her interest  pointed away from the medical industry and rather toward  artistic endeavors.  I told her, “Styling hair and nails, cosmetic things or designing clothes is still  helping people, only in a different way.”  For her, all that she needed is a few tips on how to expand her outlook on merging her goals with her desires. 

          Quite often, a person’s hobby, and those things enjoyed most are indications of career interests and passions, even if a person has not breathed life into it yet. What is a true passion? A clue is when you find yourself wanting to do it more than your job. Don’t get me wrong, you can like or even love your job. If you are fortunate enough to enjoy what you do and get paid doing it, that’s a bonus. However, having  “passion”  for something is a whole different animal. You can’t get enough of it, you think about doing it all the time; even while you may be working on something else. 

         It is your passion that pulls you toward who you are meant to me: doctor, teacher, writer, musician, mechanic, author, counselor, designer, and so on. What one may despise doing, another thrives on it. 

        It is that drive within that leads you toward your greatness, so don’t be afraid to embrace what you love doing because IT’S A PASSION THING!