You know how all all these self help gurus are always telling everybody to keep searching for their passion in life?
I reckon that I know my passion. But I don't think that my passion is much of a money maker.
When I think about things that I am passionate about, these come to mind: Hunting, training, retrievers, crabs, napping and reading.
There may not be too much call for somebody who's ideal, passion filled, day would be to wake up at 3, lift weights, then load up dog and equipment and go Maryland goose hunting with my buddy Steve. Then afterwards stop off at the local bar and grill and eat crab soup and listen to Merle haggard . A short nap in the truck would follow, then back at home, hang out with my family, a little more exercise, maybe a stationary bike ride, while watching a WW ll or Vietnam war documentary. Or if needing some levity, watch Talladega Nights or Office Space, or the old Duck Commander hunting videos that Phil and the boys made back when nobody knew that the Robinson's existed.
What time will it be then? Hmmm, only about 2 pm.
Time for some more hunting, and then a big old steak and crab dinner.
Then back home to read a great book with Labrador curled up next to me, sleeping, dreaming of chasing down geese in the fields of Maryland.
To me, that is a purposeful, passion filled, day.
Except I can't make a living having days like those.
I was always irritated that I couldn't find my TRUE passion, that ONE thing that calls to me, and I came to realize that the best way is to stop looking for it and just let stuff happen. Meaning, it may find me if I just sit back a little.
Or maybe life isn't about finding a singular passion. Maybe your passion is your kids and leading a life that they can be proud of when you are gone. They surely won't remember if you had a nice car or money. They will remember if you loved them and cared for them and put your arm around them when they needed it and you were there for them whether they asked you to be or not.
Maybe the self help gurus talk a big game but they ain't all that they are cracked up to be. Look at some of the big names that tell you the right way to live. What do they know, anyway? Like the saying goes, who died and made them boss?
They have the same crappy problems that we all have: Kids get sick, parents are getting older, divorce, money issues, all of it. They are no different than any of else. What gave them this expertise, this right? Clean up your own backyard before you worry about everyone else's.
You here these guys talk and they all have personal coaches that cost upwards of 100,000 year. Who has that kind of money? So even they need coaches. You know why? Because they can't figure this life out, either.
I will throw something out there: Life is really about
Love
Thats right, Love, the L word.
I submit that love conquers all, trumps all, is what IT is all about.
When I was a kid, I had this moment of clarity one day about dying and lying on my death bed and picturing just who would be there. It won't be the guy who sold me the Mercedes, that's for damn sure. Hopefully it'll be those who loved me and that I loved also.
I'll give you an example of love. My Father was a professor for over 30 years. He had many students who adored him, but one stands out in particular. This student was gravely ill, and she was in the hospital. She had one picture by her bedside, my Father's.
He had given her guidance at school, no question. But the main gift to her was his love. Not romantic love, but the type of love that showed her that she was important, that she mattered in this crazy world and that he genuinely cared for her not just as a student, but as a person.
Quite an amazing story and one that I think about often.
And to me, that's love, that's leaving something with someone that really matters. Love is a passion that isn't momentary or one that leads to material wealth, but it is one that lives on forever.
