In the Pursuit of Passion

Passion. Plenty of ways to define it, it can be something you love doing more than anything else in the world, it can be a feeling that overtakes you every time you see your significant other, it can be something you believe in so deeply that it becomes a part of how we define ourselves.

If you slow down and look for it, you can't miss the impact the passions of those around you has on them. I have watched my friend skateboard through injuries, in the cold as I sat freezing in heavy winter clothes, he spent hours skating in a t-shirt and jeans, not phased by the cold, not phased by the lingering possibility of wiping out, not phased by anything, just lost in the focus of chasing the next trick, the next grind, the next air. I have seen it in other places too, it can be anything, from shredding a great riff on the guitar, pulling off the last second win in MarioKart, watching football with friends around.

I can remember back to when I was in a relationship; I remember the way I felt every time I saw her, weak, but strong at the same time. I was vulnerable, but empowered. I remember wanting to see that smile, those eyes, the way her hair cascaded down her shoulders; and above all, I recall the constant desire to do nothing more than hold her in my arms. Alas that ended poorly, but, in the pursuit of that passion, that love, I found my life going where it needed to go, myself growing into the person that I have become today. I see that same passion in others, in the way one of my friends smiles when she simply looks at her boyfriend. The way one of my friends goes from being harder than stone around the guys to being soft as silk towards her.

For some, passion can be found in their faith. There can be a rather discernible comfort found in the belief that there is a higher body governing our lives. I have found many times where having that faith helped me through troubling times. For me, the pursuit of my own faith has contributed to making me who I am today.

The pursuit of passion is a trait universal to everyone on this planet. Your passions can be big, they can be small, but you have to pursue them to the fullest extent you can possibly force yourself to. Don't allow anything to stop you in this pursuit, remain steadfast, and keep your head up along this winding road. Enjoy the stops along the way; take risks; jump, even if you aren't sure how far the fall may be; don't be afraid of scraping your knees or elbows; because time heals all the wounds of the pursuit; and if you don't pursue, then you aren't living your life to the fullest, you miss out on some of the best parts of life.

-"Tuttle the Lizard"