Living Passionately
Just yesterday, I had a texting conversation with a virtual friend who I’ve known for nearly 10 years (goodness, really? It’s been THAT long???). I spoke to her about my passion for quilting and that no matter how disabled I became, I would continue to quilt – or design quilts, whatever it took to enjoy my passion. My quilt therapy.
She responded by saying she thinks that’s why she’s in a little slump right now – she isn’t passionate about what she does.
I feel bad for her because when I first met her, she was very passionate about what she was doing….both in her work-life and her home-life.
And I definitely agree with the old adage that if you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like that four-letter word – W O R K.
SO, how does one go about FINDING their passion? Since I started quilting when I was 19-years-old, my quilted life has just explanded to take over my down-time when I’m not otherwise occupied with husband, kids, family, etc.
I know my pal well enough that the work she’s doing is enjoyable to her but cumbersome. She is earning a dollar, helping to defray expenses of a basically one-income family. Whether she truly has passion for that work is where she feels like she’s missing something. And I totally agree!
I looked in Websters.com and found that these two definitions perfectly define for how a person who is passionate about something:
Now, she’s recognized it and I’ve helped define it. Where does one go from there? How does one find their passion and move to changing their world to include it in their daily lives?
The solution can be different for each individual, but my best advice is to make a list of the things you already enjoy doing. Then, organize that list by way of importance – what is the most enjoyable part of your list do you love the most? Once that list is complete, figure out what can be done to help you move toward a life of loving what you do – and when you find that ONE THING (City Slickers!), begin to change your lifestyle to incorporate that love; and if you’ve finally found something you love to do, the passion for it will rise to the surface – as a dolphin rises up to take a much-needed breath of life.
You will have given it wings.
I enjoyed reading this. I’m afraid I’m in a bit of a slump myself right now so it was apropos. I ask myself, (about me) Is it Seasonal Affective Disorder? Lack of money? Constant pain? Worry about living situation? The Gypsy in me? Loneliness?
I can make lists on top of lists, on top of those lists! It’s getting the motivation to act on them where I get hung up. Any ideas?
I certainly can appreciate the medical issues and the lack of money; though I refuse to let either impede my passion. Perhaps quilting is at the top of your list (just an example). Without money to buy fabric, I would suggest going to a place that offers free clothing – we have one in a local church where we live. Go through the clothes and find fabrics that you can cut up to make quilts out of. That would be no different than the olden days when women made quilts from flour sacks. This is just one example and I’m sure there are many others. I just get myself in a mindset that I am going to ignore the symptoms of the body and make myself do SOMETHING each day in my sewing room – be it cut out a block, sew a block, bind a quilt, etc. Best of luck to you!
Thanks again Tammom. Yes, I do try to do something everyday. I’m glad I found your site. See my reply to all your great ideas for getting fabric. Those “Gee’s Bend” quilts were too much.