Day 73

          What is passion? How can it be different than obsession, just general fondness? Passion is something that takes your breath away. It can be good, it can be evil, but passion is what makes life worth living. It's what makes you move forward when you are afraid, it is the quiet voice in your heart that tells you to take the risk. I feel like Americans have been trapped by their Puritan background, we lost the definition of passion. We have, instead, replaced it with obsession, this unhealthy yearning to fill a hole in our hearts. That hole is only there because we lack passion, and fear it. It seems we are afraid of the power passion holds. We fear the loss of control, we chose our obsessions we tell ourselves, that we can stop at any time. Passion is courageous, unbridled by any man made concept. It merely is...and I think that is what frightens us the most. It is. We question so much, and all must have a purpose. Even our vacations have the purpose of getting away. I propose that we learn our passions and follow them blindly. I feel as this may be the only true path to happiness.

Lesson:

Find your passion and follow it.

Day 58

          Today we were learning Biotechnology techniques in the lab for my internship. I have never had so much fun. People make a living doing this. I could make a living having fun...scary thought. I love cooking, I love drawing, I love dance, I even love Russian despite my struggles with it. However, none of these were my top career choices. I didn't really ever have a career choice, every choice has been a way for me to bide time until I have a family. This is the first time in my life that a career is what I'm looking for. Yes, I am in love, but I have decided that I will that grow on its own time, so my focus must be elsewhere. And why shouldn't that elsewhere be somewhere I love and enjoy my day. The lab procedures are very strict and yet I have so much fun...I've never had this much fun within the rules. Despite my financial situation, I am quite happy. This is the first time I can say that...in the entirety of my life.

Lesson:

Find you passion, and then live it.