Passion exists in every area of our lives, if we only open our eyes to acknowledge it. My life revolves around the people and aspirations that I dearly love; my family, friends, new experiences, and my writing. I am passionate about football, basketball, golf, and tennis. I have a zest for living that can only be quenched by personal growth and achievement, and I challenge myself daily to be the best that I can in every area of my life. Regardless of whatever hurdles I face.
Webster's Dictionary defines passion as, "the emotions as distinguished from reason; or an intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction." Based on this definition, my very existence is one of passion.
Many people inspired me to pursue my passions in life. My parents, who taught me the importance of a good education and to work hard toward the achievement of goals. A high school football coach who yelled and screamed so much that I was afraid to let him down, and an english teacher who often encouraged me to write, because she felt that I had talent. She also happened to be my mother.
I've also developed a passion to inspire others. By volunteering at the local homeless shelter and food bank, I find that small things can mean a lot to many people. Sharing a love of art at the local museum with a group of underprivileged fifth graders does as much for me as it does for them, and I am eternally grateful to them for the experience.
I constantly strive for fulfillment in every area of my life; mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and financially. And on a daily basis, I challenge myself to grow in each of those areas. Though many days, I seem to accomplish more in some than in others. Still, I am passionate about the effort.
I've found that in life, our days are divided between those things that we need to do, and the things that we want in order for our lives to be more complete. It is through the pursuit and attainment of our desires that passion truly exists, because within the nature of our being, we become driven toward those things which bring us joy.
It has long been my dream to write. I've had many inspirations, but always found ways to procrastinate. After more than twenty years, I've completed my first manuscript and I'm currently marketing it to publishers. Over the years, I've taken some detours, but I never strayed too far off course.
I have developed a passionate commitment to my health. I watch what I eat, I exercise regularly, and I see my doctor each May for an annual check up. I've been inspired by two friends, who still play in regular basketball and tennis leagues even though they are in their mid-forties. I golf with them weekly, and we walk the greens instead of ridding the cart.
Actually, it was the two of them who encouraged me to complete my book. They've read and re-read the manuscript, and I value their input, though most of their suggestions didn't fit what I had in mind. Still, I love them for caring, and I am passionate about my friendship with them, because the motivate me to be a better person.
Our passion for living motivates each of us to approach each day with the enthusiasm to make it better than the one before. It is our choice to surround ourselves with the people and pleasures that move us emotionally towards life as we would have it to be. Each day, life provides another opportunity to live to the extent of our dreams, but it is up to us to stay focused toward that objective.
Learn more about this author, Terry Marsh
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