The Journey To Finding My Passion
Some times I have days and weeks of feeling lost.
I wonder what the heck I’m doing with my life and I play that monotonous game of questioning everything from self worth, happiness and the meaning of life. I try to remind myself of why I’m passionate about what I’m trying to do, then followed by the question of: “but am I really doing what I’m passionate about?”
I woke up with the sun this morning to meet an adorable fitness instructor down by the bay in Chicago and she talked about her passion of fitness and what she does. In that short time frame I felt inspired by her beauty, perfect stomach and sweet manner so much I was ready to sign up for the next triathlon. Then I realized this is HER passion not mine! It’s amazing though how when a person is truly passionate about something, it radiates around them, becoming something even an onlooker could catch a glimpse of.
Lately I’d been stuck in the comparison game, seeing other people’s passions pour out of their beautiful work, or like this girl her beautiful soul and body! Then there are the others creating beautiful work that will someday change the world, if not already. Don’t worry this happens to me about once a month…also daily.
I ask myself constantly…what am I doing? Seriously, what the hell am I doing, and how come I’m not where I want to be? How come I don’t have it all figured out?
I guess like some wise people would suggest, it’s the journey NOT the destination…you have to admit there are some PRETTY sick destinations out there and we just want to get there!
However, just last February when I was on my crazy “find myself” month long photo backpacking venture, one of my favorite adventures happened. I had the freedom to make that trip whatever I wanted and I had set my eyes on Mallorca, an island off the coast of Spain.
Long story short it was the craziest 48 hours of my life! I slept on a boat through the night with snoring sailors, got sea sick, learned I do NOT remember Spanish AT ALL and had a man burst into my room in the middle of the night. (I hope my parents aren’t reading this)
I sat at the top and felt so accomplished, I didn’t climb mount Everest but for me it felt like I had and I promised myself I’d NEVER forget that feeling of happiness.
So I sat and ate my wonderful lunch of warm cheese and stale bread and let my heart gather up everything it needed from this crazy journey and it’s beautiful final destination. If there was a passion meant for me, this was it.
I would have just been sitting on another mountaintop if getting to Cap De Formentor had been any easier, but because it wasn't, it was a unique story. A story that was purely created through the journey, NOT the final destination.
After running around for a while and enjoying what looked like the edge of the earth, I started my hike back down laughing and smiling the whole freaking way!
How have different journey's helped you find your passions? Maybe you were surprised by what they were? I'd love to hear what they are, feel free to sign up below and share your story :)
Travel Journal by: Tara Shupe Photography
TARA SHUPE
Tara Shupe is a Humanitarian Photographer and Video Storyteller, constantly traveling with a camera attached to the hip and a notebook in her pocket. With over 10 years of experience in the field, Tara approaches each story intimately with a hope for inspiring others to think beyond their comfort zone.
