7 Reminders To Pursue Your Passions (Even When Life Tries To Get In The Way)

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1. Life is too short to spend your numbered days doing something that doesn’t fill you.

Life. Is. Too. Short. I wish I could say there was a magic way to prolong it, to make the days extend or time stop. But life keeps rushing on, and honestly, it’s too fleeting to waste your precious time working somewhere that doesn’t fill you. Sure, falling into your dream job won’t be a piece of cake, but if there’s something you love to do, take steps towards that line of career. You’re never going to get where you desire if you spend all your time admiring it from afar. Pursue what inspires you.

2. You are unique and wonderful; there is a specific purpose for you.

There will be days where you wonder what the heck you’re meant to do, days where you feel purposeless or like you’re wandering, trying to figure it all out. On these days, remind yourself of what you love. Remind yourself of your gifts. Remind yourself of your inspirations. There is only one of you in this world, which means there is a specific purpose and job for you. Remember: You are unique and what you have to offer is important. Even if you feel like you’re stumbling around, find something that you enjoy and start following that path. You have a gift and you are meant to use it.

3. You were never guaranteed an easy road.

Chasing what you love won’t be easy, this is almost guaranteed. But that’s honestly what makes it so worth it in the end. Don’t be discouraged by loss or failure. Don’t quit just because you hit a bump in the road. Know that what you love is far more important than the obstacles you may face. And when you start to feel low, remind yourself why you went down this path in the first place—because your passions give you a reason to live.

4. No matter how much you try to fight it, passion never dies.

You could pretend you’re happy at your current, crappy job. You could try to shut out the nagging desire in the back of your mind and act like you’re completely satisfied. You could push through your days, a smile plastered on your face, telling everyone ‘I’m fine.’ But eventually you’ll get sick of living a lie. Passion never dies. It fills us, overflows us, continually inspires us. And no matter how hard you try to push it away, or pretend that you don’t care about what you care madly about—it always creeps back. So instead of fighting it, pursue it.

5. Money isn’t everything.

So what if the thing you love doesn’t really make much money? Money is not the end-all-be-all. Yes, you need to make a living to stay afloat, but it is possible to work and work at what you love.

Just remember that if it comes down to something you love that pays less vs. something you don’t care for that pays more—always, always go with what you love. The money will come.

6. Happiness is ultimately a choice.

You can choose to see the bright side of crappy situations. You can choose to smile even when your world is crumbling. And when it comes to pursuing the things you love, you have a choice to do so. Remember: If you hate where you are, your job, your career path, or the fact that you’re not doing the things you love, you’re the only one who can change your situation. You’re the only one who can bring your own happiness. So quit. Leave. Stop. And start doing something that satisfies you.

7. There is no better time than now.

What’s your excuse? What’s holding you back? What are you afraid of? There’s no better time than now to clear your schedule, to make room for something you love, to change jobs, to leave a place, to start doodling or drawing or writing or painting or playing soccer again.

You’ve always made excuses—not enough time, not enough money, too tired—but those are just excuses. Stop keeping yourself from what truly gives your life meaning. Start being the happy, fulfilled person you’re meant to be.

 

 

Marisa Donnelly is a poet and author of the book, Somewhere on a Highway, available here.