Joe, my neighbor and friend, has recently been able to land a job in the sport of lacrosse, his passion. For as long as I've known him he has been a sheet metal worker on construction sites, and a good one at that. But his hobby has always been playing and coaching lacrosse. With his new job at the Stringer Shack, he can now make a living doing what he enjoys. The difference will be evident between him, a passionate connoisseur of the industry, and your average professional who is merely working a job.
For 18 years we are told to "follow our dreams". The message actually continues for more than 18 years, but is drown out by the pressure of money. Money, security, material possessions, however you look at it, become an exceedingly overwhelming pressure that force many people to put aside their dreams and fall into line. Or more accurately, to compartmentalize their lives so that job = money and free time = hobby/leisure.
My best teacher in high school always told us it did not matter what profession we pursue as long as we did it with Zest, Gusto, Animal Vigor, Intellectual Vitality, Fun and Love. But if your heart isn't into your job, and your sole motivation is money, how can you do your job with ZG AV IV F&L?
I cannot overstate my thankfulness that I am fortunate enough to live and work my passion. Working with sheep, shearing sheep, raising sheep, and associating with other sheep people have become more than a job or even a career path. It's a lifestyle, a life, and one that I wouldn't trade for anything.
It breaks my heart to see people place such an importance on money that they force themselves to abandon their dreams. I know I'll never be powerful or wealthy. But for me, coming down the last side on the last sheep of the day or seeing newborn lambs get their first nurse is as satisfying as scoring the winning basket or crossing the finish line in a race.
Dream on!
