Friday, February 22, 2013

Are You Passionate?

Finding passion in our lives

Someone posed a very important question to me; one that we should all take time out of our busy lives to consider. The question: What is your passion?

For many of us, passion is what happens when a man and a woman love each other very much and start getting all giggity in the bedroom after mom hollers, "You kids behave for five minutes while I go help your father change into his work clothes."

But somehow, I don't think that's the type of passion we're talking about. 

As I think back on it, the path to self-discovery has been a long and constantly changing road. I remember asking myself about eight years ago, "Daniel, what the hell do you want to be when you grow up?"

It was the first time in my life that question carried the weighted realization that life truly is short.

Now, I didn't begin this post intending to troll on about my interests and passions. You will see those manifest as I continue writing these entries. What I actually wanted to do today is challenge each of you to consider where you are today in your life.

Are you happy? Are you where you want to be? If not, are you doing something to change it?

In my experience, this seems to be the #1 reason people do not succeed: Inaction, usually paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. I've heard a wide range of excuses.

"I'm too old." Nonsense. just last year I completed a class with a 72 year old gentleman who was less than a year from earning his Masters in Business Administration. 

"I don't have enough time." Quit your whining! Fortunately, time is the one precious resource that successful and unsuccessful people have equal amounts of--24 hours each day.  Learn to manage it better. (I'll give you a hint: I couldn't tell you who won American Idol for the past five years. Can you?)

"I have too many kids." Oh brother!!  I'm working full time, going to college full time, and still find time for family and remedial projects. Not to mention; the only reason you have those kids is because you were practicing the wrong kind of passion.  ;) I have another blog about peaceful parenting where you can get some great advice if you're interested.

The big question I wish to ask is this: What have you done today to pursue your passions and dreams?

While you ponder this, I have to go. My wife is wanting to help me change into my work clothes.

Daniel Wagner.

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3 comments:

Manda Wagner said...

Well since me helping change clothes is a five minute process. You have plenty of time to do your goals. LOL

Unknown said...

lol tmi tmi. I am still wondering what to be when I grow up. I am in the process of making some plans to make myself happy cause we all know.....if mamma ain't happy no one is happy :D

spudmuffin said...

A lot can change in a short amount of time. Five years ago as a single man working as a security guard at age 23 with no more than a last-minute high school education would I have envisioned myself as married, adopting two preteen girls, 2 associates degrees, a bachelors, a masters, a dream job, a stable home, and cash in my pocket. Back then I was facing some serious changes, and yes it was frightening at times, but by embracing change I earned my new life. Very little is impossible, you just have to be willing to drop the status quo and chase your dreams. I've been observing you chasing yours, Daniel. It is nothing short of inspiring.

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