Sun and Rain

I have a friend who recently acquired a collection of succulents. They're known for having "modest requirements" but like any plant they can change their minds at any time and start going downhill. She was discouraged to find they were shedding leaves not long after she got them and reached out on social media for help.

Have you had plants? It can be heartbreaking when what you're doing isn't quite working out the way you hoped and they start to brown or dry up or never really bloom in the first place. You change their positions, look up watering schedules, try talking to them, dump in nutrients. "Why isn't this working? What am I doing wrong?" Or you might get right to the heart of the matter and ask, "What's wrong with me?"

Most plant owners can attest to this. Some have never had an issue with it. Everyone can relate to chasing success and dealing with failure. But every once in awhile, you might be fooled as to which is which.

There is a quote that goes something like "The only thing worse than not what you want is getting what you want." A woman raises her children for 20 years and dreams about having her own business. A man spends his whole life in an office but dreams every day about singing in the opera. Another person takes the initiative, quits their job and travels halfway across the globe to find the world is not much different aside from a tropical climate. Someone else gets fired with no explanation and finds themselves to be an incredibly competent naturopath.

Here's the connecting thread: You. Every one of those people might be you, or is you currently. And there's a good chance that there is something inside you that is just dying to get out. You may be tormented by it every day, or you might be completely unaware of it. "How could I possibly do it? What if it doesn't work out? I can't give up my family, my job, my pride, my excuses."

And of course, you would be right. You cannot give up those things until you choose to. And you may well discover that beyond all your little walls, it turns out you weren't all that interested in professional wrestling, or the world of acting was just a little too nutty for you. Or you might fight tooth and nail for years to finally make that salon business work and discover that yes, this was indeed your calling.

So what's the point?

Your passions are calling to you for not only your sake, but everyone's. The strength of courage to do what you want, win or lose, shines through you and in everything you do, and that is true inspiration to others. We love success stories. We love them even more when they're full of trials and heartache and unbelievable miracles. But underneath the surface, there is real magic in taking that step forward. Even if no one knows you did it. All boats rise with the tide.

So yes, by all means, tell people why you're the best real estate agent. Show everyone the incredible benefits of regular exercise. Shout from the rooftops about how music has changed your life and the lives of many, many others for the better. Some will jump on board right away. That is support. Others will fight, argue, criticize and obstruct in any way they can. That too, is a form of support. The sun and rain can kill a plant, and they can also help it grow. But doing what you actually, truly love, regardless of the outcome, is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and humanity.

Tell people why they should support your passion, and show them why they should support theirs.