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Living Simple: Do You Follow Your Passion?
Retrospective
I have been lucky in that I have followed my passions for a good many years. I was passionate about teaching and was rewarded with eighteen years in the classroom. I was passionate about hiking and mountain climbing and fed those passions for decades. Now I am passionate about writing and am able to follow that passion each and every day.
But is it luck that has led me on these journeys, or is there something inside of me that naturally drives me to follow my passions? Was I born this way, or was I raised to go for the gusto in life? Is this something that I trained myself to do?
I am not wise enough to know the answers to those questions. I know that my parents encouraged me to aim higher. I know that there is a wanderlust inside of me that makes me seek out and not sit back wishing that I had. I know that there is a devil-may-care attitude that has always been there, allowing me to take risks that others might find daunting. I suspect that luck had very little to do with it, and attitude played a much bigger part in my shaping.
Learning to live simple is greatly facilitated by a proper attitude. It is looking at the status quo and asking if this is how I want to live, or is there more? Life is too short to just settle….life should be lived with gusto each and every day. There are some for whom this philosophy comes naturally. There are others, sadly, who have never embraced this way of life, who always seem to be on the outside looking in, wishing instead of doing.
So ask yourself this question: what are you passionate about? Somewhere deep inside each of us there is a passion. Do you know what yours is, and if so, are you following it?
WHAT IS YOUR PASSION?
It would seem to be a very simple question, but do you have an answer? What is your passion? What are you passionate about? For some, the answer will be parenting, and if there is a more noble answer I do not know what it would be. If this is your answer then bust down doors, knock down mountains, do anything you have to do to be the best parent you can be.
Some would say their job, and I can certainly understand this. As I mentioned before, I have followed my passion in teaching and writing, and I have been greatly fulfilled because of it. I have also worked some jobs that had nothing to do with passion. The difference between the two is like night and day; one pays the bills while the other feeds the soul. I know which one I will choose for the remainder of my years.
Some would say they have a hobby that feeds their passion, as it was for me with hiking and climbing. I found that I was able to stimulate my senses so much during weekends while on the trails that it was enough to get me through a work week filled with banal duties.
WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PASSION?
Well, that is sad, isn’t it? I don’t believe this is an isolated occurrence at all. I look around me during my daily interaction with people and I see many….many….who have no light in their eyes. Life has delivered an uppercut to them, and they are staggering and waiting (expecting?) for the next blow to be delivered. They wake up each morning and go about the business of existing, and the same scene is visited each and every day.
The business of existing! In this case I am a very lucky man, because I was not born into abject poverty. I had opportunities and because of those opportunities I had a fighting chance from the very beginning. However, there are many out there who cannot see beyond the necessities of breathing in and breathing out. To speak to them about passions is to speak in a foreign tongue.
What is that old saying….”In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king.” That is how I feel as I look out over the economic landscape and realize just how fortunate I am. I cannot imagine not having a passion about life and yet there are millions who barely remember the definition of passion..
Life is too short; A Moment With Bill
What are your dreams?
- Childhood Dreams: Do You Remember?
Do we live lives of quiet desperation today? Would Thoreau look at today's society and say that we do indeed?
IF YOU ARE NOT LIVING YOUR PASSION…WHY AREN’T YOU?
So for the purposes of this article we will set aside those who are incapable of following their passions because of horrible hardships.
Rather, we will concentrate on those hundreds of millions who are simply not passionate about life and really have no excuse. They work long hours, run many errands, chase their tails and at the end of the day wonder if this is all there is to life.
Somewhere along life’s back roads these people have wandered off the beaten path, and now they are roaming in search of that which is missing, but they don’t know the nature of that thing. They know something is missing….they can feel the hollowness inside of them….but if you were to ask them what is the nature of that void they would be unable to answer.
The love of my life, Bev by name, is passionate about everything. You think I jest? She is passionate about the weather, nature, children, her family, and animals. She is passionate about the smell of a flower, the touch of a loved one, and the taste of green tea. Simply by being around her daily, I have become more passionate about everyday life, and for that I am grateful, because she has opened my eyes to unlimited possibilities.
Now I fully understand that Bev is on one end of the passion spectrum, an anomaly in today’s world, so trying to emulate her passion might be a fool’s mission. However, for the many out there who live with no passions, I guess my question to you is why? What is holding you back?
I am convinced that one of the greatest obstacles to living a life of passion is fear. Being passionate requires commitment and life change, and a great many people fear those. Besides fear I believe we can also toss in complacency, sloth, timidity and a lack of believe in oneself.
So instead of facing all of those personal obstacles, many choose to just ride it all, put in their time, and then shuffle off to the retirement living facility and await the end, having only experienced a small portion of their potential.
What is important in life?
- Living Simple: Perspective In Our Lives
Happiness is a choice; you can whine all you want about your circumstance in life but it still comes down to whether you choose to be happy or choose to be miserable.
IT IS NOW TIME!
Life is not getting any shorter. I hate to be the one to break this news to you, but we have a limited amount of time here on Earth, and time should not be wasted. We all get so busy in our daily lives, and the days turn into months and the months into years and then we look back over the landscape of our lives and wonder where it all has gone. Where did the dreams go to? What happened to the desire and the burning in our guts, and the willingness to soar with the birds and howl at the moon?
Are you passionate about life, and if you aren’t, why aren’t you? What are you waiting for? There are of course limitations that we all must deal with, but self-imposed bars can be torn down, and to truly enjoy life they must be torn down.
Live simple…..live passionate…..live your dreams and don’t settle for less!
2012 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
Let's Take A Look At You
Do you follow your passions?
Comments
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Learning, there is no such thing as "just" a stay at home mom. That is a full-time job by itself; add on college student and I'd say you are doing one heck of a job. :)
Thank you!
Your hubs really get me thinking and I realize how happy I am in life now. The funny thing is that my lifestlye is one in which I used to always look down on. I'm "just" a stay at home mom, and college student at 24 years old. But, I've never been happier!
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Cookaholic, that was so sweet! Thank you so much, and I applaud you for returning to writing and wanting to be more open.....if I help people then I am grateful and happy.
Dear Billy..I am finding your writing is inspiring me to want to be more open in my writing. I have only just started to write again, incorporating my love of cooking into my ramblings. I just stumbled across your Hubs and wanted to let you know that you have touched my writing heart as all good teachers continue to do without always being aware of it...so thankyou..do please keep sharing your thoughts
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Tammy, we are in the same boat. I make my money writing SEO articles that could serve as sleep-inducers for an insomniac, but for now it is necessary. I'm still clinging to the hope that HubPages will open a big door somewhere, some how, and then I can write the articles I want to write and get paid for it.
Thank you so much my friend!
I am glad you are following your passions. My problem is I have too many. I think if I chose one I could be financially successful with a passion. I love writing, making jewelry, crafts, you name it. I make my earnings by writing dry articles for Textbroker. I am glad to have found them, but I force myself to do it. Perhaps Hubpages will take off for all of us and we can retire and do what we love. Great hub!
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RightWord, so many of my hubs are me thinking out loud; I'm glad that, in turn, they make others think. As a species we are capable of so much more....at least I believe I am. :)
Thank you!
Great, thought provoking hub. I don't have a work passion, but I realize in thinking about it I am passionate about so many things - my family, saving money, cars, the list goes on. Thank you for always making me think.
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Ishwaryaa, you were blessed with wonderful parents, but you were also blessed with creativity and a will to succeed and to follow your passions. Bravo to you my friend.
Sending blessings and thoughts of peace to you today and always.
bill
A wonderful hub! Following one's passions enables one in achieving one's dreams, goals and of course happiness! I am blessed with good opportunities knocking on my door - I worked in a multinational company and gained insight into its managerial areas; enjoyed freelance writing; now pursued jewelry-designing with a dream of becoming a professional jewelry-designer; did some charity work.....I have many more dreams but I have to fulfill them one by one in a proper and practical manner. I am blessed with parents who supported me throughout my life. Once again, a profound hub! Well-done!
Thanks for SHARING. Useful, Awesome & Interesting. Voted up & shared on Facebook
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Ryem, excellent summation my young friend. Life is a gift and it is a sin against nature to waste it. Thank you!
This hub is so motivational. People tend to forget to live for each day because the next one is never promised. Thanks for sharing!
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Rema, thank you for sharing. I know you know the importance of passion in life! Have a wonderful weekend my friend.
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Thanks again Denise!
Hi Bill,
Awesome. In this short span of life, it is very important to live a meaningful life following our passions. Thanks Bill for this hub that is an eye-opener to many. Sharing it all over and pinning it too.
Cheers, Rema.
We all were back then, Billy, LOL I can certainly relate! :)
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Aww, thanks, Denise! Considerably younger in that picture. :)
Well said, Billy. Love the photo of you as the Teacher. :)
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Audrey, I don't need to tell a poet such as yourself about passion. :) Thank you friend and have a great weekend.
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Thank you Vellur and thank you for posting this on Facebook. Greatly appreciated!
I so agree with you! Passion is so necessary to joy and fulfillment!
Oh yes, following our passion is the key to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment. Without a passion, life is bereft of meaning, according to me. Great hub with useful pointers and insights, voted up and shared.
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Joy, you are welcome!
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Lock, thank you! I have led both lives and I know for a fact I much prefer following my passion.
Oh Thanks.....
It is very important to follow your passion, you should to do what you love. This will let you lift your load very lightly.
like your hub Bill. very intriguing. :)
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Joy, I love your name and I love you attitude! Thank you!
great hub..... nice to meet a passionate person..... Long may it last.
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Thank you again Dianna! I can't imagine not having a passion...I really can't! I saw my dad do it for twenty years, a dead end job that he hated, no passion, and I found it profoundly sad.
bill
Like you, Bill, teaching and writing is my passion. I am not quite at the stage your are, but I am working on it. I too feel sorry for people who do not know their purpose and passion in life. Another great post. Voted way up and shared.
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Awww, thanks Martie! I appreciate and respect you greatly, so your words warm my heart!
Excellent advice and reference. I've been fortunate - I could follow my passions - but I still have so many and just not enough time to follow them all. Voted up and well-stressed. Thank you, billybuc, you are an inspiration :)
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Thank you Lesley; I have to agree with you, Bev is indeed the straw that mixes my drink! :) I love passionate people and gravitate towards them naturally...so much energy....so much enthusiasm for life. I'm sure I would enjoy your greatly if we should ever meet.
A super hub Bill, I get very passionate about things and feel quite sorry for people who don't!
Passion motivates me in lot's of ways.
Thank you for this inspirational hub, BTW Bev sounds like a very special lady.
My best wishes to you, Lesley
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Awww, Patty, thank you! I can tell just from your writing and comments that you are passionate about life, and God bless you for that. Never look back with regrets about what you could have done....to me that would be incredibly sad.
Thank you Patty!
AWESOME JOB!!!! Passion is what drives me; I am passionate about way too many things and do my best to share my passions with my children such as volunteering, doing what we can to protect the environment, help others whenever possible, and others passions as well such as art and crafts, baking, knitting/crocheting etc.
AWESOME Message!!! You are truly an inspiring and motivational writer whose words of wisdom can help soooo many!!!!
Many Votes and Shared!!!
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Shruti, you are very wise for your age. I have found many of my friends from India are much more mature than their counterparts in the United States. Thank you for your insightful comment.
Brilliant words! the sad part is all of them realize it too late. Yes, when they experience the hollowness, they regret. A beautiful message, life is too short indeed and we have to live it the way we want to. No time for regrets!
Voted up and shared :)
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Martin, an interesting question for sure. Thank you for the visit my friend!
I often wonder what that Martin who was going to college would think if he could see himself now.
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Julie, your bad case comes through loud and clear in your Facebook postings. This HP thing takes a long time; don't judge your progress by what Rose is doing; that's impossible to face and she has been around a long time. Just be you in your writings and your time will come. I happen to believe in you and think you are one hell of a writer.
Thank you friend!
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Faith, I could not agree with you more; if you have no passion then to me you have no life. There are too many wonderful things to experience and I'm in love with life.
Thank you my dear and peace and happiness to you always.
This was well timed. Having a bad case of the "not good enoughs", I realized that I have to follow my passion, even if I'm afraid that I won't make it (whatever that is). For a moment, I considered trying to adjust my plan in order to be "safe", but then I relalized, it wouldn't be me. Great hub Bill. :)
billybuc - I have so many passions, just cannot narrow them down. That is what makes life so wonderful, our passions, and that old saying - "Variety is the spice of life." I don't understand how one can only have one passion or two, or worse none!!! What planet is one living on who has no passions or is not passionate about something. Excellent piece here, as always, Have a lovely, passionate-filled evening! In His Love, Faith Reaper
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Amy, I am a lucky man.....for forty of my sixty-three years I have followed passions and loved the thrill and satisfaction of it all. I wish that for you done day soon my dear friend! Thank you!
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Rachel, there are far too many people who have "settled" for the life they have, and never consider going for the brass ring. Makes me sad! I'm just trying to light a fire under their butts and get them out of their complacence zone. :) Thank you my young, wise friend.
"What happened to the desire and the burning in our guts, and the willingness to soar with the birds and howl at the moon?" Gave me chills! You were right when you said we're on the same wavelength, Bill. I would hate to be on the other side of midway through life, looking back over my shoulder at what could have been. Your hub is inspiring, and your advice is wise and wonderful as always. Voted way up etc and shared :) Keep 'em coming!!
If I hadn't been laid off from a very busy, frantic paced job, I'd still be doing just that...existing, with a paycheck. I have found my passion, Bill, in writing and oil painting. However, I would not choose to be on the verge of destitution. I need to find a job and balance so that I am able to fully enjoy my passions without compromising my ability to be independent. I don't think it needs to one extreme or the other, although, for me it seems I had to be forced to slow down and take stock.
Great article, Bill. I envy those that can earn a living from their passion. I know it is possible.
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My pleasure Irc! :)
Thanks for the vote of confidence friend. You're right, I'll get there. :0)
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Well, Irc, you are very welcome! I love that....follow your bliss! What a great phrase! Thank you for sharing that. You know what you need to do, but sometimes change takes awhile. I have no doubt that you will get to where you want to go sooner rather than later.
Peace and happiness to you my friend
bill
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Sasha, you are so wise for your age. Money will never buy happiness, and we all nod our heads and agree, and yet so many keep trying to purchase a smile or laughter. It's right there waiting for us and it doesn't cost a penny. Thank you my dear!
Another awesome, thoughtful, inspirational piece of work! I felt guilty when I clicked the radio button to reveal that I follow my passion when I have time. Intuitively I know that it is the wrong answer. I was saddened to see that 57% of the responses were the same as mine. Many years ago I followed a series produced by Bill Moyers on the life of Joseph Campbell. It was titled "The Power of Myth". I had one of those pivotal moments when I heard Joseph Campbell (now deceased) advise us to "follow our bliss". I know this with all my being, that it is truly the only way to live, and yet I cling to the security of things I am not passionate for that pay the bills. I have a ways to go. Once again, you are the motivation to do better. Thank you Bill!
Another amazing piece of wisdom Bill! I'm so grateful to live the life I do. Spending my days with my children (often enjoying a great deal of my passions with them- crafts, gardening, cooking, art...) and the little in between times are filled with all other little passions ^_^ Guess I'm like Bev... a whole bunch a passions, lol. We may not be rich but we know how to enjoy our lives and that's much more than others have. I hope your live simple movement takes over! More people need to live with this happiness ^_^ Voted a bunch and shared!
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Suzie....LOL....some day in the near future my dear....of course, what's the definition of "near future." Three years and we are traveling and you can turn the porch light on then!
Bill you and Bev will be most welcome to our wee estate to kick back on the veranda, have a cappuccino or coffee of your choice and drink in the dolce vita!! Open invite to get your ass out of USA for awhile!!! LOL
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Dwachira, as you can tell, I'm passionate about this. Life is wasted if we aren't willing to take chances and enjoy as much of life as possible.
Thank you my friend!
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Suzie, I say go for it! It's amazing to me how many people do not follow their dreams because of fear, or just plain laziness, or whatever. What are they waiting for? The perfect moment when the stars are perfectly aligned? Bless you for doing the Italy thing, and damn it girl, if I ever make it over there then we are going to sit as friends and laugh our asses off. :)
Great comment Suzie; now you have me energized! LOL
It is very strange how us human forget when we start gaining worldly wealthy, we forget how simple life used to be ... those simple days. I like it how you said it here billybuc, we can do is as long as we have passion for it. Voted up and useful.
Hi Bill,
While I was reading your great article here I found myself saying "God how true that is" or "I can relate to that". Passion is SO IMPORTANT! In fact, it is one of my questions I use when interviewing for staff. I want to see what , if anything they are passionate about. Be it work related or preferably not. Is it Sport, Travel, Learning, Walks with Nature, Painting whatever it is it is important.
I have been passionate about many things that have rewarded me ten fold. Travel I adore and I am now embarking to go live my dream in Italy with the man I adore . A gamble yes, are we mad possibly but I don't think so, do we feel brave - not really just following our dream and making it happen by hook or by crook! Sport has always been a huge passion and has been challenging with Epilepsy at times but so rewarding. My mum was a huge influence in all arts, crafts and love of nature and these continue to be passions. My writing is fast becoming another one, a new venture but one I am loving!! Your words are as always so relevant, so well said and I am certainly passionate about your work!!! LOL Awesome job my friend!!!
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Kelly, I think you and Bev would wear me out if I was in the same room with you two for an hour. LOL I love it....keep being the person you are.
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Tracy, I would love to meet you after reading your comment. Good for you, lady; get out there and feed those passions and don't waste a minute. Thank you for a wonderful comment.
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Thanks Pete! Once a teacher always a teacher I guess. I just love life and I want everyone else to do so also.
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LaThing, it's my pleasure! I love passionate people and I smile when I hear their words and their excitement. Thanks for the great comment.
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You are welcome Carol, and thank you! Love your comment and your willingness to try new things.
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Kristi, you are welcome and I hope it does inspire you. Life is just too short my friend; anyone who has done gymnastics and coached understands willpower and drive. I wish you well; now, go out and feed that passion.
What a cool hub topic Bill - I think I'm more like Bev, passionate about everything:) lol. Including green tea! Hahaha
What an inspirational piece! I can tell that you are a great teacher. It is so wonderful to read how you have followed your passions. I love how you state that being a great parent is the most noble job of all, I couldn't agree with you more. I am so passionate about raising kids both my own and as a teacher, I sometimes wish I would have a little less passion and take a day or two off, but it is not in my heart. Well done! ~voted up and across~
Your passion for both writing and teaching is evident through your hubs Bill....I'm enjoying this new series!!! Voted up and awesome!
Billy, this is a wonderful hub. Got me thinking about my passion(s)!! I have so many of them that I can't focus properly, LOL! Very motivating article...... Thanks buddy! Voting up and awesome..... And I am with Richy, keep them coming! :)
Very thought provoking as always. I am grateful for my many passions and following them. I always have. Sometimes they just come as a whim..I decided to decoupage a table, get out my paints, write (of course). It is about always willing to try new things and getting excited about doing them. thanks for writing this as a reminder to all of us. Voted UP and sharing.
billybuc, It's great to have inspirational people like you to remind us about living every day to the fullest. My mother used to tell me, "Kristi, you get what you settle for." and boy, was she right! I decided that I wanted to be the best gymnast, the best coach, the best everything. So in coaching, I used to tell the athletes, "I'm going to build you mountains to climb, not hills..." Nevertheless, sometimes life happens and things spring up to alter the path but, you've inspired me again. Thank you for the reminder. -K
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Rich, very true words you have shared....fear prevents more people from seeing their potential than anything else in life.....such a waste! Thank you buddy and have a great day in Kentucky!
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Oh goodness, Kelley, you just described me when I was your age....never sitting still.....now I hardly recognize that person. I so love my life!
Thank you dear!
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Tips, it is easy to get caught up in that stuff....it is a trap of sorts and hard to avoid. Thank you for taking the time to visit this morning and have a great day in New York.
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Starstream, it does take courage....I changed when I was 58 yrs old....and I am so happy that fear did not stop me. Best of luck to you and thank you!
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Michelle, I would say yes, you were quite lucky! Music and language.....great passions! Keep following that which feeds your soul.
Thank you!
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Joseph, I will have a great day, thank you, and you do the same. Your writing is passion for sure; please keep doing it and spreading hope with your words.
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Mary, isn't that amazing....there are so many things to be passionate about....I don't have time to do everything I want to do....but I will have time in three years and then watch out.....my life will be a never-ending passionate fun ride. :) Thank you my dear!
Bill -
Another great one my friend. I used to teach that passion was that glowing ember inside that never died. All it needed was a little motivation and the flames would power a steam engine. Fear is a de-motivator, always. It gives a person an excuse not to succeed. Eliminate the fear and you'll succeed to a greater degree than never having attempted it at all. Great Job! Keep 'em coming!
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Julie....good luck with that painting....then get outside, if it isn't raining too hard, and soak up some inspiration from nature. Thank you!
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Dr. Pooja, it is never too late! I changed careers at the age of 61 so no, it is not too late. Thank you my friend and peace to you.
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Maria, what a nice person you are! You are the type of person I want to sit down with and have a cup of coffee and just enjoy each other's company. Have a wonderful day my dear and live it to the fullest.
I have to admit I'm a doer, most of the time. I have a history of pushing myself to my limit before realizing I need to slow down. Lately I've been taking time to notice the beauty in the world, and it's amazing how much this opens up my life. Thanks for writing this. Voted up and useful! Kelley
Its so easy to get caught up in all the things that happen to us in our busy lives that we forget (or are just too busy) to keep a focus on the things we care about. Keeping life simple helps us focus on the important stuff. Great hub, and great philosophy!
I am in the midst of changing my life around in order to live my passion. It takes some real courage in so many ways. Thanks.
Quite lucky that my parents supported my passions for music and language. They didn't expect me to be a doctor or something out of force. I still follow these passions in a different way. Thanks for the share, Bill!
You are right Billy. Actually the passion of writing is like a drug, I keep on writing with no limits. Holidays become another day for extra inspiration. Sometimes I don't even know where my imagination is going to take me. Passion and a will to be a better person can make a difference in our lives. This hub was very uplifting my friend! Have a nice wednesday!
Passion...life without it must be so dull. So many things I am passionate about I can't list them all. Enjoy life....that has to be the top passion...what else is there if you can't be happy and smile and share your joy with others?
Great hub, which of course is no surprise. Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.
Bill, great hub - I am rediscovering some of my passions.....in between painting and decorating my living room, not so passionate about that :o(
Yet another wonderful hub which helps people to think and seek answers.Right now I am doing the same ...thinking about my passion.unfortunately don't have an answer .Studying to become a medical professional left me with little time to think about anything else.Unable to pursue my career in a new country I wish had something else to look forward to but I believe it is not too late to pick up the threads.
Bill,
You are my west-coast shadow... YEAH!! IF NOT NOW, WHEN... is my motto... we must take the time to live our passion and be happy NOW...!
Your writing validates and motivates me. Thank you, my dear.
Oh, my passions are, duh... teaching, writing, walking... 'the world we live in and life in general' (ala Depeche Mode)!
Voted UP and UABI. Hugs, Maria
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Janine, good teachers will always be in demand. I was off for twelve years and was hired immediately upon return. When you are ready your passion will be waiting for you. Until then, keep being a great mother; this country needs more of you. Thank you dear!
Great article and got me thinking of my passions in this life and of course my husband and my girls are truly at the top of my list, like Bev and your family for you. I am lucky and blessed to have my wonderful family and for that I am just thankful. Teaching of course is another one of my passions and unfortunately with the economy and my taking care of my kids that has gotten put on the back burner right now, but do hope to get back to that in the future. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and thought provoking article. I have of course voted up and shared all over too :)
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